The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Wednesday clarified that it had put an end only to bulk parcel takeaways from Amma Canteens.

Dismissing recent rumours of a new circular issued regarding a ‘complete ban on takeaways’ from Amma Canteens, a senior GCC official said the GCC had only reiterated the instructions restricting the purchase of food in bulk to prevent the commercial misuse of the scheme.

“Purchasing high volumes of food, such as 50 to 100 meals at a time, is explicitly prohibited. This restriction also extends to non-governmental organisations that attempt to procure bulk meals for external distribution to hospitals,” he said.

Termination of workers

Addressing operational irregularities, the official confirmed that strict action had been taken against specific Self-Help Groups (SHGs) managing the canteens.

“Staff members who were found to be booking bulk parcels and facilitating external distribution have been terminated. The welfare facility is not a conventional restaurant for regular takeaways,” he said.

Further, the GCC official said the primary purpose of the canteens was dine-in service.

Korattur AIADMK councillor J. John said many purchased food in bulk to resell it, which was why this restriction was announced when the scheme was launched in 2013.

“Some offer it to hungry schoolchildren. But not all have similar good intentions. They may start their own shop and sell the food. To plug this, large-scale parcel orders were not allowed,” the councillor added.

A worker at an Amma Canteen in the Ambattur zone said that many outlets lacked sufficient staff to cater to both dine-in customers and those placing bulk parcel orders.

“In one or two outlets, there may have been some mishaps, but stopping all outlets from offering bulk takeaways may not be right. A few customers may be from a large family and might need around 15 or even 30 idlis. We will lose out on those customers,” the worker added.

Small amount allowed

However, the exemption to the rule continues in order to benefit individual beneficiaries, he said.

“Small takeaways of three to four parcels are permitted for guest workers purchasing food for their families, night-shift employees requiring post-work meals, and individuals buying a limited number of parcels for sick relatives,” he said.