AIADMK to foot the bill of Amma canteens

TNN | Apr 8, 2020, 04:38 IST

Coimbatore: Starting from Tuesday till April 14, the AIADMK would bear the expenses of 15 Amma canteens in the district, state municipal administration minister S P Velumani said.
Speaking to reporters at the district collectorate on Tuesday, the minister said the move was to help people get food free of cost. “More that 20,000 people daily visit 12 Amma canteens in the city and one each in Mettupalayam, Pollachi and Valparai. The district AIADMK unit will bear the expenses at these canteens till April 14,” he said.
The minister, who was at the collectorate to attend a review meeting on the prevention of Covid-19 spread, said of the 37,000 guest workers in the district, 19,000 were provided with food by their employers and other 18,000 were by local bodies and district administration with aid of NGOs.
Urging people to maintain social distancing, Velumani asked them to avoid going to shops every day, and advised them instead to buy and store goods needed for 5-7 days. “This will prevent people’s movement.”
The minister warned traders against jacking up prices of essential commodities.
“Also, private companies should not lay off their employees or cut their salaries. If they were found violating the norms, they would face stringent action.”