Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated 45 out of the proposed 100 ‘Atal Canteens’ in the national capital on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, marking the launch of the subsidised food scheme.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar virtually inaugurated the canteens, while BJP leaders Ashish Sood and Tarvinder Singh Marwah were present at the event.
The Delhi government has decided to roll out 100 Atal Canteens across the city, offering meals at just Rs 5, in a move aimed at expanding access to affordable food for the city’s working poor.
The scheme, which featured prominently in the BJP’s Delhi election manifesto, is designed to support daily wage workers, labourers and low-income families who often struggle to afford regular meals in the city.
A food security push with a fixed Rs 5 price
Explaining the scheme, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said people will be able to eat meals at the canteens for Rs 5, even though the actual cost of each meal is around Rs 30, with the government bearing a subsidy of Rs 25.
Each canteen will serve two meals a day, including dal and rice, roti and vegetables. Officials said every centre is expected to cater to around 1,000 people daily.
‘Food with dignity’
Paying tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Gupta described him as a “yug purush” and said the decision to launch the Atal Canteens on his birth anniversary was taken deliberately to honour his legacy.
She also described the food served at the canteens as “satvik”, emphasising its nutritious and wholesome nature.
Digital tokens, CCTV oversight planned
According to government sources, an inter-departmental committee has finalised the locations, menus and operational guidelines for the first phase covering 100 canteens.
Meal distribution will be carried out through a digital token system, replacing manual coupons, to prevent irregularities. CCTV cameras have been installed at all canteens, with real-time monitoring to be carried out through the digital platform of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.
Besides LPG-based stoves, the kitchens will also have industrial RO water systems and cold storage facilities. FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories will test food samples on a regular basis. Moreover, operators will also be required to submit reports covering hygiene, staff health and overall safety compliance every month.
Once the initial rollout stabilises, the government plans to expand the Atal Canteen network based on public response and feedback.