The Hindu 04.06.2013
Private players to help manage Amma canteens

Private players will play a larger role in upkeep, maintenance and security of Amma canteens soon.
The
civic body has invited bids from private contractors for the
maintenance of its buildings, including canteens in Ambattur, Menambedu,
Korattur, Mannurpet, Padi, Anna Nagar West extension and Mogappair.
“Private
contractors will shoulder the responsibility of minor repairs,
electrical faults and providing security at the canteens,” said an
official of the Chennai Corporation.
Over 2,400 women
belonging to self-help groups in the city cook, serve and manage the
canteens. The civic body will soon employ four more women at each of the
200 canteens for preparation of an expanded menu.
The
civic body has instructed all zones to initiate measures for the
maintenance of Amma canteens. A large number of residents visited the
Amma canteens on Monday following the introduction of the expanded menu
comprising curry-leaf rice, pongal and lemon rice.
Through
the Amma canteens, the State government aims to provide healthy food at
reasonable prices to slum residents, daily-wage labourers, drivers,
load men and migrant workers. The first such canteen was inaugurated by
the Chief Minister in February.
The canteens now
offer idli for a rupee, sambar rice, curry-leaf rice, pongal and lemon
rice at Rs. 5 and curd rice at Rs. 3. On Monday, around 2.5 lakh idlis,
33,681 plates of pongal, 38,694 of sambar rice, 20,542 of lemon rice and
18,146 of curry-leaf rice were served at the canteens.
Improvements
to the Amma canteens have been proposed following requests from
councillors. A tender for construction of a building to house Amma
canteen on the premises of the GH has also been floated.