Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. M. Vijay has directed improvements to enhance food quality at Amma Unavagam centers statewide. Funding for upgrades and supplies will come from local government funds.
A press release stated that complaints about poor-quality food led the Chief Minister to instruct better infrastructure and ingredients after discussions with officials. The Greater Chennai Corporation runs 383 outlets, while other local bodies manage 237 more.
Launched in 2013 after a pilot in Saidapet, the program has faced neglect over recent years, according to former Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraisamy.
In 2024, ₹7.06 crore was allocated for equipment upgrades at 353 centers across 15 zones, but its progress remains unclear. J. John, an AIADMK councillor, noted issues like insufficient LPG cylinders, oil, and legumes, affecting food quality and customer numbers.
The status of the mobile Amma Unavagam units launched in 2020 at a cost of ₹324 crore is also unknown, as no vehicles have been seen. Former Royapuram MLA D. Jayakumar called for a review of the program to restore its effectiveness.