CHENNAI: She initiated many welfare plans, but the one that had the biggest and immediate impact seems to be the Amma canteens that offer hot, fresh cooked food that is sold at a discount for the benefit of the poor.
“Amma Unavagam should be continued in her memory. Because among many of the people-friendly schemes she launched for the downtrodden, this scheme is the one that is most useful,” says D Mangai Shankari (46), a resident of Moolakadai, who had come to see the memorial site of the late chief minister on Marina beach.
After these budget canteens were opened on hospital premises, the bystanders were the ones who were benefitted the most, as it did away with the necessity to make regular trips from home to hospital to bring food, points out E Dhanalakshmi (46), a homemaker from Oteri. “For those who are unable to travel all the way to their homes, this is a wonderful facility. It also saves us a lot of money, as the prices are kept low,” she adds.
Many like K Girija (38), a flower vendor from Kolathur, say they are concerned whether the canteens would maintain the same quality in post-Jayalalithaa regime. “We can’t spend money on food at bigger hotels. For those families like mine, Amma canteens are of great help,” she says.
For yet others like A Govindammal (50), a housewife at Choolaimedu, these canteens are where her family gets to eat chappatis, as the price of wheat flour is not affordable for them – Amma canteens sell two for just `3. “With this scheme, she filled our stomachs like a mother would. But I don’t know what lies ahead after this,” she signs off.