With the TVK’s Government’s decision to refurbish all Amma Unavagam in the State, officials have started taking stock of the condition of the eateries in Madurai.

Collector K. J. Praveen Kumar inspected Amma Unavagam in K Pudur on Wednesday and went around the facility.

Officials from Madurai Corporation said there were 11 Amma Unavagam in the city, and another three were situated in Thirumangalam, Melur and Usilampatti. One Amma Unavagam, which was closed in the city, would also be reopened after renovation, thus taking the total number to 12.

Around 4,000 to 5.000 people, including college students, staff employed in private and government hospitals, daily wage earners and senior citizens. benefitted from Amma Unavagam daily for their breakfast alone, they said.

Though they were functioning, there were several operational issues. The late Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, started the scheme, and after the AIADMK regime, there was a lull. At some point, Amma Unavagam faced closure as they were unable to pay the salaries of cooks and helpers. However, after it was brought to the attention of the then government, they functioned with criticisms coming in now and then from AIADMK, which was in the opposition.

With the new government’s announcement, the officials have prepared an estimate of around ₹55 lakh for revamping the 15 units in Madurai. As and when the funds were sanctioned, the works would be undertaken on a war-footing and new look Amma Unavagam would be open to the public.

The Collector also discussed about the need to procure new utensils, gadgets such as mixer and grinder, plates and hot-box and repairing the worn-out furniture ar each of the Amma Unavagam at a review meeting, they added.