April 1: Amma canteen in every ward

On April 1, residents in 127 wards across the city may get a taste of the Amma canteens’ signature Re. 1 idlis.

The largest-ever number of budget eateries is likely to be inaugurated on that day by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa through video-conferencing, Chennai Corporation officials said.

The Corporation has completed the process of identifying 127 buildings in these wards, where the canteens will be located. So far, 73 such eateries have been opened. And with the 127 in April, the total number of Amma canteens in the city will number 200, one for each ward.

Begun last month, the Corporation’s ambitious project aims at providing healthy food at reasonable prices to residents living in slums, daily labourers, drivers, load-men and migrant workers.

The first such canteen was inaugurated by the Chief Minister in February.

Over 2,400 women belonging to self-help groups in the city will cook, serve and manage all of the canteens. Training for the women is being organised in the existing canteens, an official said.

All the women have already been selected through the Corporation for Development of Women.

The restaurants offer idli (100 gram) for a rupee, sambar rice (350 gram) at Rs. 5 and curd rice (350 gram) at Rs. 3. The civic body has served more than 20 lakh idlis so far. Sambar rice is among the most popular items in the outlets. Over 5 lakh sambar rice dishes and more than 3 lakh curd rice dishes have been sold so far.

After the inauguration of all 200 outlets, the civic body proposes to consult the Chief Minister on issues pertaining introducing minor additions to the set menu based on requests made by councillors.

For instance, the sale of curd rice at the outlets is relatively low, as it is not accompanied by pickles or thuviyal , officials said.