# Chennai Corporation plans Amma Canteen at Omandurar hospital 2026-09-27T22:16:39+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to set up an Amma Canteen at Omandurar Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, projecting annual sales of Rs 16.43 lakh from an estimated 150 beneficiaries per day. The facility will offer subsidised meals, including idli at Rs 1, and various rice dishes at Rs 5. The GCC has sought retrospective government approval for the canteen and permission for the necessary building, electrical and equipment works. A site near Tower-7, close to the outpatient entrance, has been identified. The existing children's ward, inspected and found suitable, already has kitchen and dining facilities and requires only minor upgrades. First-year expenditure is estimated at Rs 36.96 lakh, covering building maintenance, machinery, raw materials and wages for six women from Self-Help Groups paid Rs 325 per day each. The balance expenditure of Rs 20.53 lakh, after accounting for projected sales, will be met from Corporation funds. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Amma Canteen network, launched by the Tamil Nadu government in 2013, has been a flagship subsidised food programme run by local bodies across the state. This proposal extends the model to a government hospital, where patients and attendants often struggle to find affordable meals. The GCC's request for retrospective approval suggests the project has already moved past the planning stage. The actual cost recovery will depend on footfall, if daily beneficiaries exceed the 150 estimate, the subsidy burden on Corporation funds could rise. The tender for works and the final government order will be the next milestones to watch. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Amma Canteen, Greater Chennai Corporation, Omandurar Hospital, Tamil Nadu Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/chennai-corporation-plans-amma-canteen-at-omandurar-hospital/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/chennai-corporation-plans-amma-canteen-at-omandurar-hospital/#story-in-brief