'Amma' for all: Now a market breaking religious barriers

Chennai, July 19: Traders and bankers have been looped in by the Chennai corporation officials to set up an Amma weekly market in Chennai. The Marina beach and the Mint junction are being examined as the venue for the proposed weekly market, which will sell essential commodities and electronics, said Ripon Building sources.

Two rounds of meetings with stakeholders and corporation authorities have been completed. All government departments have been asked to participate in the market. Horticulture and Agriculture departments will be the major contributors for the project, an informed official said.

Close to 201 items, including vegetables and forest produces, have been shortlisted by the horticulture department ranging. The agricultural department will be supplying about 100 items including cereals and pulses.

While these produces can be obtained at a much cheaper rate, there are other motives behind building the market. Amma market will also promote religious harmony. Hindu Religious Charities and Endowments (HR&CE) has been requested to identify suppliers for selling all prayer materials required for the devout. Camphors, candles and portraits of all religious gods form a part of the commodities that will be sold under a single roof.

The Fisheries department has been intimated to supply a list of 42 marine products including fish, crab and prawn. The project will function under the module called 'Ammaa' (All Manufacture Material Available Avenue), which will procure wholesale materials from manufacturers and sell the items at 30-40 per cent cheaper rates. Officials said that close to 9 places are now under study for operation of Amma weekly markets.

Civic activist Aarni Srinivasan said, "Amma market is going to be an instant hit among public and there are media reports hinting sale of air conditioners and refrigerators at a cheaper price and if this is going to happen it will be a boon for the middle class and the poor."

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