Free Ride for Women in State Buses in Kerala, Tamil Nadu “Amma Canteens” of Subsidised Food Revamped
NEW DELHI, May 18: In a dramatic start to the new government’s tenure, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan cabinet on Monday announced a series of sweeping welfare and governance measures in the state.
In a major move, CM Satheesan announced free KSRTC bus travel for women from June 15, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on working women, students, and daily commuters across Kerala.
In the neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister Vijay on Monday ordered the revamp and modernisation of “Amma canteens” (Unavagams) operating in the state for the last 13 years providing subsidised food for the public.
The Kerala Cabinet also approved the creation of a special department dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens, reflecting the government’s focus on Kerala’s rapidly ageing population. The proposed department will coordinate healthcare, social security, rehabilitation, and welfare programmes for the elderly under a unified framework.
In another major relief measure, the government announced a Rs 3,000 hike in the honorarium of ASHA workers, acknowledging their frontline role in Kerala’s healthcare system.
Recognising the challenges faced by Anganwadi workers, the Chief Minister announced a salary hike of Rs 1,000 for both workers and helpers. The CM also confirmed an additional Rs 1,000 increase in pay for school cooks, support staff and pre-primary teachers.
On the political and law-and-order front, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged attacks on Youth Congress leaders during the 2023 Nava Kerala Yatra. Satheesan said the probe would ensure accountability and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
The government also signalled a tough stance on Kerala’s fiscal management. Satheesan announced that a white paper detailing the state’s financial condition and the status of the exchequer would soon be released, promising transparency on debt, expenditure, and the overall economic health of the state.
Congress leader VD Satheesan took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on Wednesday, marking the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) to power after a gap of ten years.
In Tamil Nadu, the Amma Canteens launched on February 24, 2013, on the birthday of then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was fondly addressed as “Amma” by her supporters and party workers, was initially opened in Chennai and were an instant hit. Later, they were expanded to different towns and cities offering subsidised food for the public.
In 2021, when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), AIADMK’s rival, was voted to power, instead of diluting the scheme, the new government announced it will start another 200 canteens in semi-urban areas over time. It also did not change the name of the scheme.
Vijay has kept the tradition going, and has directed officials to refurbish and improve the infrastructure of Amma Canteens and ensure delicious and quality food to the people. After feedback that quality and taste of food offered in the Amma Canteens were not satisfactory was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister, he held a review meeting with top officials.
The Chief Minister ordered improvement in amenities, infrastructure, procurement of more cooking utensils/equipment and thereby ensure quality and delicious food to the people, an official release said. There are 383 Amma Canteens under the Greater Chennai Corporation and 237 under the supervision of other local bodies in the state.
(Manas Dasgupta)
