Corporation starts allotting spaces in Amma Canteens in city for alternative purposes

The space taken up by Amma Canteens has shrunk in some zones, as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has begun earmarking a portion of the canteens for alternative purposes.

The Amma Canteen located on Pantheon Road in Egmore, was closed for renovation last year. Corporation officials had announced that the canteen would be restored after the work was completed. However, a large portion of the space meant for dining has been earmarked for alternative purpose and handed over to another association.

Ward 61 councillor Fatima Ahmed Muzaffer said: “They [GCC] never discussed it with us. Maybe they will come up with a new plan to restructure and redo it.” However, she pointed to the mismanagement of the canteens and alleged that the quality of food was poor.

Ward 90 councillor D.S.P. Rajagopal said he had proposed the demolition and restoration of the Amma Canteen in his ward, as the sales had reduced to ₹100 a day. However. residents said the proposal for restoration after demolition would likely lead to the utilisation of the facility for alternative purposes.

Ward 84 councillor J. John said all the three Amma canteens in his ward were in bad shape. “The quality of raw materials used for cooking has deteriorated, leading to poor patronage,” he said.

A former member of the Self-Help Group (SHG) associated with Amma Canteens said the number of workers in Ward 132 of Kodambakkam had reduced from 26 to five.

“The collection registered by the canteen has reduced from over ₹11,000 to ₹1,000 per day. Most of the original SHG members have left,” she said.

EPS’ accusation

In July 2024, former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the State government of bringing down the staff strength as well as the quality of food at the canteens. He also alleged that 19 Amma Canteens had been closed.

A senior official said the utilisation of space in Amma Canteens for alternative purposes had not been based on any change in policy, and the GCC would continue to implement the welfare scheme.