Chennai: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed corporations and municipalities to use local body funds to improve Amma Canteens in the city. An order issued by the municipal administration and water supply (MAWS) department said the CM had directed local bodies, including the GCC, to use their own funds to procure vessels, carry out building improvements, repaint walls, and buy fresh groceries. The order, signed by MAWS secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi, said the department had received complaints regarding poor food quality and service in the canteens. GCC has about 383 canteens, while other municipalities have 237 such canteens. Since J Jayalalithaa’s demise, the canteens are maintained by local bodies using their own funds. The key challenge for the cash-strapped corporations will now be to allocate funds. GCC commissioner Dr G S Sameeran said work worth 7.4crore had already begun to refurbish the canteens. “Fewer than 100 canteens require major upgrades, such as installation of new sheds. I have also instructed officials to install new lighting and make the canteens more inviting for people,” he said and added that two mobile canteens would be renovated and would travel around Marina Beach and lower-income settlements.An order issued by municipal administration and water supply (MAWS) department said the CM had directed local bodies, including GCC, to use their own funds to procure vessels, carry out building improvements, repaint walls, and buy fresh groceries.
