Jayalalithaa announces Amma marriage halls in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: In yet another 'pro-people' initiative under the "Amma" brand of schemes, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today announced "Amma Marriage Halls" at 11 locations in the state at an estimated cost of Rs 83 crore.

"Poor people have to pay high rents to marriage halls for conducting functions like wedding. Therefore, to benefit them, I have directed constructing 'Amma Marriage Halls'," she said in a statement, apparently hinting that these halls would be let out at lower rentals.

The marriage halls will have all facilities, including air conditioned rooms and kitchens. The scheme will be implemented by Tamil Nadu Housing Board and cooperative housing societies, she said.

The halls are proposed to be constructed in Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Salem, Tiruvallur and Tirupur districts at an estimated Rs 83 crore, she said, adding the halls can be booked online.

The Chief Minister also proposed a number of housing projects running into several crores of rupees.

The Tamil Nadu government is already implementing a series of welfare initiatives under the "Amma" brand such as the popular and low-cost Amma Canteens, Amma Cement and Amma Mineral Water among others.

Jayalalithaa is addressed as 'Amma,' meaning mother, by her supporters and party workers.