Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the revamping and renovation of Amma Unavagam to ensure the serving of quality food. Money for the renovation and purchase of provisions will be released from the general funds of municipal corporations and municipalities.

A State government press release on Monday said several complaints regarding the poor quality of food being served at Amma Unavagam had been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister. Following discussions with officials, he directed them to improve infrastructure facilities and procure better-quality materials for food preparation. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) runs 383 Amma Unavagam, while other corporations and municipalities together operate 237 such outlets across the State. “The scheme was launched in 2013, after a trial run in Saidapet. But, it has lacked the necessary attention over the last few years,” said former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy of the AIADMK.

Notably, in 2024, the GCC had allocated ₹7.06 crore to enhance equipment at 353 Amma Unavagam across 15 zones. The status of this initiative is currently unknown.

J. John, an AIADMK councillor from Korattur, said essential equipment was not supplied properly. “The canteens now receive only three LPG cylinders a week, but the shortage of provisions remains the main issue. Earlier, two to three litres of oil was supplied, whereas now only one litre is provided. The quantity of urad dal has been reduced from three kilograms to one. This affects the quality of the food. As a result, the number of customers visiting the canteens has decreased,” he said. He also said the status of the mobile Amma Unavagam, launched in November 2020 at a total cost of ₹324 crore, remained unclear, as the vehicles had not been seen anywhere recently.

Former Royapuram MLA D. Jayakumar said the new State government should review the functioning of Amma Unavagam and restore the canteens accordingly.