After CM Vijay’s order to revive Amma Canteens, AIADMK hopes for comeback of other legacy schemes

Welcoming the decision of the C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government to improve Amma Canteens initiated by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, AIADMK functionaries called for revival and strengthening of other important welfare schemes introduced during the previous tenures of the Dravidian party.

AIADMK leaders have called for the return of populist schemes like Amma Salt, Cradle Baby scheme, Amma Scooters and ‘Gold for Thali’ scheme (Thalikku Thangam) noted that these initiatives benefited a large portion of the population before being discontinued in recent years.

J. John, AIADMK councilor from Korattur, claimed that Amma Mandapams, which were initially rented at subsidized rates of around ₹50,000 per day, are now rented for up to ₹3 lakh. “These are state properties located on public land and the state should receive the revenue generated from them,” he said.

In addition, the TVK government’s ‘Singapore‘ (Lioness) Special Task Force was similar to the Amma Patrol scheme launched in 2019 to enhance the safety of women and children through the deployment of female police personnel and pink patrol vehicles in designated areas.

‘DMK government. implementation failed.

AIADMK functionaries also alleged that various welfare schemes introduced during the previous AIADMK regime were not implemented effectively by the DMK government.

Former Royapuram MLA D. Jayakumar alleged that the Amma Kudineer drinking water project was stopped by Chennai Metrowater.

Mr. Jayakumar also called for revival of programs such as:Pannai Pasumai Nugarvor Kootturavu KadaiAmma Cement, which enables farmers to sell vegetables at affordable prices, and Amma Cement, which supplies cement at subsidized prices. He claimed that the number of Amma Canteens across the state has decreased and their maintenance has deteriorated in recent years.

Former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy commemorated weeklysandhay‘ markets selling provisions at subsidized prices, he said, which benefits both farmers, vendors and the public.

He claimed that there were initiatives such as Nocchi distribution (vitex negundoPlanting of saplings, commonly known as Chinese chaste trees, to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito nets for low-income residents was also halted. He also added that the progress of the Cooum river restoration project has slowed down in recent years and needs to be addressed immediately.