The Delhi government has launched Atal Canteens to provide affordable and nutritious meals to people in need. The canteens were inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Under this initiative, citizens can get a freshly cooked meal for only ₹5, making it easier for workers, daily wage earners, and low-income families to access healthy food.
The first Atal Canteen was inaugurated near Apna Bazaar in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Several ministers and officials were present at the event. The Chief Minister and other dignitaries also ate at the canteen and instructed authorities to ensure high standards of food quality and hygiene at all locations.
Aim to Serve Over One Lakh People Daily
Each Atal Canteen is expected to serve around 1,000 meals every day. With 100 canteens planned across Delhi, the scheme aims to benefit more than 1,00,000 people daily. Meals will be served twice a day, with lunch from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and dinner from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Delhi government has allocated ₹104.24 crore for running and managing the Atal Canteens. While beneficiaries pay only ₹5 per meal, the government bears the remaining ₹25 per plate. The small contribution of ₹5 has been fixed to maintain dignity, promote responsible eating, and reduce food wastage.
Nutritious and Standardised Meals
A common menu has been designed for all canteens to ensure balanced nutrition. The meals include dal, rice, roti, and vegetables. Each plate weighs about 600 grams and provides 700–800 calories along with 20–25 grams of protein, meeting basic nutritional needs.
The Atal Canteens are equipped with modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants. To ensure transparency and safety, digital token systems, CCTV cameras, and regular audits have been introduced. Food quality and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and hygienic meals.
Employment Generation and Operations
Around 700 people will get employment through this scheme. For smooth operations, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) through a transparent tender process.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the initiative reflects the values of service, good governance, and compassion championed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta added that the scheme promotes self respect and self-reliance among hardworking citizens. With the launch of Atal Canteens, the Delhi government aims to ensure that no one in the capital goes hungry.
Date: 28 December 2025
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee: Rs 1500
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