Delhi launches ₹5 Atal Canteens to ensure food with dignity

December 26, 2025 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Delhi took a major step toward food security with the launch of Atal Canteens across the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 45 of the proposed 100 canteens on Thursday.

The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals at highly subsidised rates.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and senior BJP leaders. Several leaders were seen having meals at the canteen to mark the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She described him as a “yug purush” whose ideals continue to guide governance. She said the government wanted a meaningful way to honour his legacy.

Therefore, the decision to launch Atal Canteens was taken on this significant day. Gupta said 45 canteens were inaugurated initially, with the rest to follow soon.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the canteens virtually. The remaining canteens will open after completion of the necessary work.

Explaining the scheme, the Chief Minister said meals will cost just ₹5. However, the actual value of each meal is around ₹30.

Thus, the Delhi government will provide a subsidy of ₹25 per meal. She also described the food as “satvik” and nutritious. According to her, the aim is to ensure food with dignity for all.

Later, Gupta said the initiative reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of service and welfare. She added that no one in Delhi should go to bed hungry.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari also welcomed the initiative. He called it a meaningful tribute and a gift for Delhi residents.

The Atal Canteen scheme was a key promise in the BJP’s Delhi election manifesto. It mainly targets daily wage workers, labourers, and low-income families. Each canteen will serve two meals daily.

The menu includes dal, rice, roti, and vegetables. Each centre is expected to serve nearly 1,000 people daily.

To ensure transparency, meals will be distributed through a digital token system. CCTV cameras will monitor all canteens in real time.

Kitchens will use LPG stoves, RO water systems, and cold storage facilities. Moreover, food samples will be regularly tested by certified laboratories.

Officials said the programme will maintain strict hygiene standards. Operators must submit monthly compliance reports.

Eventually, the government plans to expand the network based on feedback. The scheme is also expected to generate employment through self-help groups and community kitchens.

Image Credit: Dr Suryakanta Acharya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons