Acceding to the growing public demand, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday added variety to the the menu of the budget canteens (Amma Unavagangal), which have become popular among the people of Chennai city.  The Chief Minister  also announced that the scheme would be extended to nine more corporations -Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, Tirupur, Tuticorin, Vellore and Erode. In the first phase, these eateries would be opened in 10 places within this month.

In all the budget canteens in Chennai, hereafter, apart from idli, pongal with sambar would be sold for Rs 5 per plate.  Similarly, during lunch time, lemon rice or curry leaves rice would be available for  Rs 5.

From September onwards, two chapathis with dhall would be sold at  Rs 3 in the evening hours.The equipment required for making chapathis would be procured by floating tenders.

At present, idli is served between 7 and 10 a m at Rs 1 per piece.  Sambar rice and curd rice are being served at Rs 5 between 12 noon and 3 p m. Pongal with sambar, lemon rice, curry leaves rice, chapathis would be added to the present menu as per announcement of the Chief Minister. 

The Chief Minister said the scheme has evoked overwhelming response from the public.