Move over Amma canteens, baby care kits for infants soon

The government would spend over Rs. 67 crore which would benefit over 6.7 lakh babies this year alone, chief minister Jayalalithaa said, making a suo motu statement in the assembly.

The kit worth Rs. 1,000 would be gifted to the new born with 16 items which include a towel, baby dress, baby bed, protection net, napkin, 100ml baby oil bottle, 60ml shampoo, sachet, a soap box, a soap, a nail clipper, toy, a rattle, a 250ml handwash liquid and a 100 gram soap for the mother, she said, amidst thumping of benches by legislators.

The announcement comes close on the heels of the government launching 'Amma' seeds to provide farmers and general public with quality seeds at reasonable price, "Amma" Amudam Supermarkets, 'Amma Pharmacies' and subsidised 'Amma Salt' recently.

The 'Amma Canteens' and 'Amma Mineral Water', both low-cost initiatives, have been well received by a large section of the people.

Jayalalithaa is popularly addressed as Amma (mother) by her party workers and supporters.