Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders Amma canteen revamp after food quality complaints

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has ordered the renovation and modernisation of Amma Unavagams across the state. The move follows reports about the quality and taste of food served at the subsidised canteens.

In Short

• State-run canteens provide subsidised meals to the public across Tamil Nadu
• Greater Chennai Corporation currently manages 383 Amma Unavagams in the capital
• Municipal corporations and municipalities elsewhere in the state run 237 canteens

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has ordered the renovation and modernisation of Amma Unavagams, the state-run subsidised canteens that provide affordable meals to the public across Tamil Nadu.

Currently, 383 Amma Canteens are functioning under the Greater Chennai Corporation, while another 237 are being operated by municipal corporations and municipalities across the state.

The move comes after reports concerning the quality and taste of food served at the canteens were brought to the Chief Minister’s attention, prompting the government to initiate steps for upgrading the facilities.

As per an official statement issued by the Tamil Nadu CMO, Chief Minister Vijay reviewed the functioning of Amma canteens and noted that several centres require urgent repairs and upgraded infrastructure.

“The Municipal Administration Department has been directed to begin renovation works without delay and strengthen operational standards across all outlets,” the statement said.

The government has also instructed officials to replace damaged utensils and outdated kitchen equipment, modernise cooking facilities and improve maintenance standards to ensure safer and more efficient food preparation. Authorities have been asked to assess the immediate requirements of each canteen and prioritise procurement and repair work.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that daily wage labourers, urban workers and economically weaker sections continue to receive affordable and nutritious meals through the Amma canteen network.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to closely monitor food quality and hygiene standards and ensure that public complaints are addressed promptly. Local bodies have been asked to conduct regular inspections and maintain cleanliness in kitchens and dining areas.

Amma canteens remain one of Tamil Nadu’s flagship welfare schemes, serving subsidised meals to thousands of people every day across urban centres in the state.

Earlier, after taking charge as Chief Minister, Vijay had ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu, citing public welfare concerns.

Vijay had directed authorities to conduct a statewide survey to identify TASMAC shops operating near temples, schools, colleges and bus stations before ordering their closure within two weeks.

- Ends