Hyderabad: She swept everyone off their feet with her tall promises. Then she became the apple of their eyes as soon as the molestation happened and she appeared in front of cameras with her torn saree and battered ego. Then she became Chief Minister. Not once, but five times.
Meet Jayalalithaa, a.k.a Amma of Tamil Nadu.
She’s been sworn in for the fifth time and she’s already began rolling out plans that will take her popularity north of the meter. The Amma Canteen for one is back and how. An auspicious 201 such canteens have been ordered to be opened.
What are Amma Canteens?
Amma Canteen or Amma Unavagam stands for eateries initiated by Amma. These eateries are run by the municipal corporations and aimed at serving prices at very low cost to the poor. Strictly vegetarian, these canteens dish out an Idi for ₹1, ₹5 for a plate of Sambar Rice and ₹3 for a plate of Curd Rice, etc.
Bouquets and brickbats
While this move of Jayalalithaa has earned her accolades from the poor and the security cover of a major vote bank, the companies supplying food are enduring losing running into crores. While the junta appreciates this decision, the business aspect of people aren’t really pleased.
What’s in the pipeline
Worth over Rs 1800 crore, the other changes lined up are improvement of roads in urban local bodies at a cost of Rs 1000 crore, Â 1,274 Reverse Osmosis plants, etc.
It looks like Amma is ready to fight her spot tooth and nail!