Wondering why most of Tamil Nadu is cheering the return of Jayalalithaa? Amma knows best

The conscientious objectors have been crying foul over Jayalalithaa’s acquittal, but there’s no mistaking the sense of celebration in Tamil Nadu, especially among the lower-middle classes and the poor. Their Amma, benefactress and giver of endless freebies, is back to do her thing. Economist criticise the policy for being unproductive and a drain on resources, but who’s to tell Jayalalithaa that. She’s pushing the Amma brand of subsidies even further with these schemes:

Amma Unavagam

One of the first things Jayalalitha did on her return as CM for a fifth term was to announce the opening of 201 one new Amma Unavagams, the canteens which serve food – everyone agrees the quality is good — at hugely subsidised prices. An idli is priced at Rs 1 and a sambar-rice meal at Rs 5. Even critics have acknowledged that this is a good plan, feeding huge swathes of a hungry population. There are now 498 Amma Unavagams in Tamil Nadu.

Amma Kudineer

First food, then water. This is a state-run project for supplying purified drinking water at an affordable price to the lower strata. A bottle of Amma Kudineer is priced at Rs 10 and is a boon in places like Chennai which have huge water shortages.

Amma Seeds

A seed development agency, set up to encourage farmers to use certified seeds, markets ‘Amma seeds’ through ‘Amma service centre’ outlets.

Amma Salt

Well, here’s one way to buy voter loyalty. The old proverb in Tamil goes, ‘Uppitavarai ullalavum ninai’ (Be grateful to those who gave you salted food). So, the Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation supplies low-cost Amma Uppu to the masses.

Amma Marundagam

If food and water aren’t enough to keep you in good shape in Tamil Nadu and you need medicines, the government subsidises that, too. The 200-plus Amma Marundagams or pharmacies across the state, sell medicines at subsidised prices keeping margins low.

Amma Amudham Stores

Late last year, Jayalalithaa announced the setting up of 300 Amma Amudham Departmental stores, selling groceries and other essentials at subsidised rates. These bolster the existing co-operative stores run by the state.

Amma Theatres

Cinema is no less a necessity than food and water in Tamil Nadu. Which is why Amma wants to build airconditioned theatres where the ticket prices will not be more than Rs 25. Currently the government is identifying land for these Amma Theatres.

Amma Babycare

When she’s Amma, she’s gotta look after the babies, right? Children born in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu get a babycare kit worth Rs 1,000 which includes a towel, dress, bed, protection net, napkin, baby oil, shampoo, a rattle and more.

Amma Cement

The state government procures cement from private manufacturers and sells it to consumers at a discounted rate of Rs 190 per bag as against the market price of Rs 300-350.