The Greater Chennai Corporation is set to commission 107 additional Amma canteens in the city. Currently, Amma canteens are located in 300 neighbourhoods in Chennai.
“The construction of canteens is under way in 33 locations. Work orders for construction have been issued in another 47 places. In addition, we have identified 27 sites,” said an official of the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Each of the 107 Amma canteens is expected to commence operations this year. Hiring of workers for the canteens will begin shortly.
With the increase in the number of Amma canteens, sales are expected to come down in some of the existing ones. But, most of the new canteens are likely to cater to hitherto uncovered low-income neighbourhoods. The financial loss incurred by the civic body is also expected to increase owing to the rise in number of canteens and labourers.
At least 1,200 women belonging to self-help groups will be selected from all the 15 zones for the new canteens. The women will be trained to manage, cook and clean the facilities.
In 300 canteens in the city, over 3,600 women have already been hired by the civic body. Idli (100 gram) for a rupee and curd rice (350 gram) at Rs. 3 continue to be the most popular dishes on the menu.
