Chief Secy approves proposals to revive Amma Canteen

According to a source in Chennai Corporation, the civic body has proposed to create a trust to run the canteens and to attract funds under corporation social responsibility from firms. The proposal also includes a plan to allow citizens to adopt canteens and to set up an integrated kitchen to supply food to it.

Presently, the civic body runs 407 Amma Canteens across the city, including those in major government hospitals. The Corporation spends around Rs 140 crore every year to run the canteens, but only manages to earn Rs 30 crore in return, thus accruing a loss of Rs 110 crore every year.

“The Chief Secretary showed interest in all the proposals, but the decision will be taken by the Chief Minister as this is a welfare scheme, and a policy decision is necessary pertaining to the canteens. The Chief Secretary will forward the proposal to the CM,” the source said.

Earlier, the civic body had constituted a committee to study the performances of all Amma Canteens and propose measures to bring about a balance between the expenditure and the revenue. Meanwhile, field-level Chennai Corporation health department officials have been directed to conduct a survey among consumers to gather their opinion regarding canteen menu card and for other reviews.

Except rice, which is being supplied to the civil supplies department at Re 1 per kilogram, all other ingredients are being procured at market rate and all the expenses are met from civic body’s coffers.