To curb losses, Corpn runs survey at Amma Canteens

A Greater Chennai Corporation official said that the survey is being conducted at all 407 canteens across the city, where customers are asked to provide their age, occupation and native district or State. “The survey will help identify our beneficiaries so that we could improve on the services. We could not make changes in the menu without knowing our customers,” the official added.

The officials are visiting the canteens three times a day – during breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Also, it is learnt that the State government has directed the civic body to find the nature of customers eating at the canteens. The survey started on July 24 and is expected to be completed in a few days.

Recently, the civic body had constituted a committee to study the performance of all Amma Canteens and propose measures to balance the expenditure and revenue.

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the civic body is spending around Rs 140 crore per year to run 407 Amma Canteens, but only manages to earn Rs 30 Crore in returnthus accruing a loss of Rs 110 crore every year.

“The committee had prepared a preliminary report and submitted it to the State government. However, the government has directed the panel to furnish a full report with the survey results. Once the full report is submitted, there would be possible changes in the operation,” the official explained.

Except for rice, which is being supplied by the Civil Supplies department at Re 1 per kilogram, all the other cooking items are being procured at market rate and all the expenses are met from the civic body’s coffers. Amma Canteens sell one idly for Re1, variety rice at Rs 5 and two chappatis at Rs 3.