The Hindu 31.12.2013
Rajasthan to replicate Amma Unavagam
Will serve idli and sambar in our canteens, say officials from Jaipur
Rajasthan has decided to adopt the Amma Unavagam
(subsidised canteens run by the Tamil Nadu government) model in the
urban areas of the State to tackle poverty. The new BJP-government has
sent a group of officials to Chennai to study the functioning of the
canteens.
“The officials from Rajasthan visited Amma
Unavagams on Monday in localities such as Santhome and Saidapet. They
tasted the food served at some of the canteens,” said an official of the
Chennai Corporation. They also collected data on the canteens after
visiting the facilities.
“Our Chief Minister directed
us to study Amma Unavagams in Chennai and emulate the model for similar
welfare measures in our State. We visited the canteens and found the
food hygienic. The facilities are maintained well with the support of
women belonging to self-help groups,” said K.K. Sharma, Chief Engineer,
Local Self Government Department, Rajasthan.
“We have
some private agencies managing similar canteens in Rajasthan in 33
places. Only chappatis are served there. The model adopted in Amma
Unavagam will be used to improve measures and launch new canteens in
cities such as Jaipur. The final decision on the number of canteens will
be made by the State government,” said Mr. Sharma. “We will serve idli
and sambar in the canteens to be commissioned in Rajasthan,” he added.
Revenue Officer of Jaipur Municipal Corporation was also part of the team.
