National Desk: In a significant step aimed at supporting economically weaker and working-class sections of society, 25 new Atal Canteens have been launched in the national capital, Delhi. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the new facilities digitally from Nursery Basti in Krishna Nagar.
With the addition of these new units, the total number of Atal Canteens in Delhi has increased to 71. After the inauguration, both leaders sat with citizens to share a meal and review the arrangements on the ground.
Operated by DUSIB: Nutritious Meals at Just ₹5
The canteens are being operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). The initiative aims to provide clean and balanced meals at a highly subsidized rate of ₹5 to laborers, migrant workers, students, rickshaw pullers, sanitation workers, and other underprivileged individuals.
The Delhi government is providing a subsidy of approximately ₹25 per meal to ensure affordable and dignified access to food for those in need. To maintain quality and transparency, the canteens are equipped with digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and computerized billing systems.
Initiative Launched on Atal Jayanti
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the scheme was launched on December 25 last year to mark the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He noted that the initiative has now become an important part of Delhi’s social security framework.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that Atal Canteens are not just about providing food but represent dignity and trust for the working class. The government aims to expand the total number of canteens to 100 in the near future.
Over 1.45 Million Beneficiaries in 57 Days
According to Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, within just 57 days of the scheme’s launch, 1,458,301 people have availed themselves of the ₹5 meal. Earlier, 46 canteens were serving around 26,000 people daily. With the addition of 25 new canteens, the number of meals served daily is expected to rise to more than 71,000.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Krishna Nagar MLA Anil Goyal, along with several other public representatives and local residents.
Towards an Inclusive and Compassionate Delhi
The government claims that the Atal Canteen scheme aims to ensure that no one in the capital goes hungry. The initiative is being seen as a major step toward strengthening social security and promoting inclusive development in Delhi.
