Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay directed authorities to improve Amma canteens amenities and strengthen the overall infrastructure.​ The then CM Late J Jayalalitha launched Amma Canteens during the 2011-16 AIADMK Government, popularly known as Amma among supporters and party workers.​

Vijay stressed that Amma Canteens continue to play an important role in providing affordable meals to thousands of people every day and should maintain the standards and public trust they originally enjoyed.​ Vijay asked the officials to ensure that food served at the canteens is not only affordable but also nutritious, hygienic, and prepared with consistent quality and taste.​

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday ordered a comprehensive revamp and modernization of Amma Canteens across the State.  He directed officials to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality and taste of food served at the subsidized community kitchens that cater largely to the urban poor and daily wage workers.​

Vijay in his review meeting with the officials on Monday, took this decision following concerns regarding the condition of several Amma Canteens and feedback that the quality and taste of food being served at certain outlets had deteriorated.​

According to the sources the issue was brought to the Chief Minister’s attention, following which he convened a review meeting with senior Government officials to assess the functioning of the canteens and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.​ He instructed officials to take immediate measures to upgrade facilities and ensure a better experience for beneficiaries.​

He also instructed the departments concerned to procure additional cooking utensils and modern kitchen equipment to improve operational efficiency and maintain food quality standards.​ The Government is expected to undertake a broader review of procurement systems and day-to-day functioning to address deficiencies reported from various centres.​

The initiative became widely recognized for offering meals at highly subsidized prices and emerged as a major social welfare model in Tamil Nadu.​ At present, 383 Amma Canteens are functioning under the Greater Chennai Corporation, while another 237 operate under various local bodies across the state, bringing the total to 620.​