Full meal for just Rs 5 as government launches 100 Atal Canteens
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On Thursday, the Delhi government will launch 100 Atal Canteens across the national capital to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where food will be available for just Rs 5. The BJP had promised this in its Delhi election manifesto and the initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious food to residents across the city.
Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, while announcing the launch of the scheme on Wednesday, described it as a major step towards food security for the underprivileged. These canteens are specially designed for daily wage labourers, workers and low-income families who find it difficult to afford regular meals.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scheme is based on the idea of providing food with dignity. “Atal Canteens will become the soul of Delhi, a place where no one will have to sleep hungry,” she said, stressing the government's commitment to inclusive welfare. Each Atal Canteen will provide two meals a day, consisting of dal and rice, roti and vegetables, and is expected to feed around 1,000 people daily.
Officials said the government will heavily subsidize the program to keep the price fixed at Rs 5 per meal. According to government sources, an inter-departmental committee has already finalized the locations, menus, and operational guidelines for the 100 canteens for the first phase. The goal is to ensure uniformity and quality across all centers from the start.
To prevent irregularities and ensure transparency, food will be distributed through a digital token system instead of manual coupons. CCTV cameras will be installed in all canteens, and real-time monitoring will be done through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board's digital platform. The kitchens will have LPG-based stoves, industrial-grade RO water systems, and cold storage facilities.
Officials said food samples will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories, while operators will have to submit monthly reports detailing hygiene standards, employee health and overall safety compliance. The Chief Minister said the initiative was inspired by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's belief that 'poverty is not just a lack of money, but a lack of opportunities.'
He further said that the aim of the scheme is to ensure that every citizen of Delhi can access nutritious food without compromising self-respect or dignity. Gupta said, "This isn't charity; it's about fairness. Workers who help build the city shouldn't have to skip meals to survive in it." Once the initial phase is operational, the Delhi government plans to further expand the Atal Canteen network based on public demand and feedback.
Officials also said that the program is expected to generate employment opportunities. The responsibility of running and managing these canteens will be given to local groups and self-help groups, providing them with a source of income.