Amma canteen in Adyar to shut for 10 days

The work will include changing the asbestos sheets, false ceilings and repairing the cracks in the wall and painting the edifice. The civic body stated that the patrons of this canteen can use the Amma Unavagam in Alandur Road, Guindy. For many people in the city, the Amma canteens are vital for their survival, as they can have access to meals at subsidised rates. 

In the recently released Corporation budget, the budget estimate for 2018-19 saw the allocation for maintenance for Amma Canteens has been doubled to Rs 14.6 crores from Rs 7.1 crores. The income from Amma Unavagam, which is patronised by the people for offering food at an extremely low price, stood at Rs 34.5 crore last year.

The Amma Unavagam, a brainchild of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, has been lauded nationally for the social welfare model. But, its operation has put a financial strain on the civic body, as stated in report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on local bodies for 2014-2015. 

The report mentioned that the expenditure crossed Rs 100 crore in Chennai alone for that year.