The Amma Unavagam constructed on the premises of Government Headquarters Hospital has been kept locked for six months now, and there is no indication as yet on when it would be commissioned.
The Amma Unavagam on the hospital premises was constructed at a cost of Rs. 45 lakh to cater to the needs of the several hundreds of relatives of in-patients in the 608-bedded hospital. While the in-patients are entitled to food in the hospital, relatives and friends attending to them have to look for food at eateries outside.
Continuous consumption of food sold through the eateries was a risky proposition due to hygiene factor.
The Amma Unavagams at Government Headquarters Hospital is much awaited by the people since the food would be prepared and served hygienically, at a much lesser price. Idlis are sold for Rs. 1, sambar rice for Rs. 5, and curd rice for Rs. 3.
According to Mayor Malliga Paramasivam, the Corporation has earmarked Rs. 3 crore for the 10 Amma Unavagams across the city that are patronised by as many as 6,000 persons every day. While rice is supplied by the Civil Supplies Department, the Corporation purchases groceries from Chinthamani, and vegetables from Uzhavar Sandhais and other markets.
Last week, the Mayor inspected the quality of food supplied at the Amma Unavagams in Erode Bus Station, V.O.C. Park Back Side, Karungalpalayam, Marapalam, B.P Agraharam, Sulai, Gandhiji Road (nearby water tank), RN Pudur, Kollampalayam(Nearby bus stop), and Surampatti(Nearby Police Station).
Accompanied by Corporation Commissioner Mohan and other senior officials, the Mayor determined the cleanliness of the kitchen, storage area and dining room.
