Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma,New Delhi

In a major welfare initiative marking the birth centenary year of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Delhi Government on Thursday inaugurated 25 new “Atal Canteens,” expanding affordable food access across the Capital. With this addition, the total number of operational canteens has risen from 45 to 70.


The formal launch took place in Krishna Nagar Assembly constituency at the Nursery Safeda JJ Cluster, while 24 other locations were inaugurated virtually by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.


Among those present were Union Minister of State and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra, Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, MLA Dr. Anil Goyal, and several civic representatives, along with thousands of local residents.

Key Highlights
₹5 per meal for a wholesome, balanced thali
Total canteens increased to 70 across Delhi
Over 14.58 lakh meals served in 56 days
Focus on workers, rickshaw pullers, students, and economically weaker families
Emphasis on cleanliness, quality, and transparency


Affordable Nutrition with Dignity
The “Atal Canteen” initiative aims to ensure that no individual in Delhi goes hungry. Each meal includes dal, vegetables, rice, and roti, offering balanced nutrition at a highly subsidized rate.


Speaking at the event, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra described the scheme as inspired by the principles of “Antyodaya” and inclusive development championed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the canteens are not merely food distribution centers but a measure of dignity and social assurance for the underprivileged.


Malhotra also credited the one-year tenure of the present government for delivering on pre-election commitments, contrasting it with what he termed the shortcomings of the previous administration.


Government’s One-Year Milestone
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that the expansion of Atal Canteens comes on the eve of the government completing one year in office. She described the scheme as part of a broader governance model focused on transparency, welfare delivery, and grassroots engagement.


Gupta thanked Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena for his guidance and support, stating that constitutional coordination has ensured smooth implementation of public welfare schemes. She reiterated that the government’s core objective is that “no one in Delhi should sleep hungry.”


The Chief Minister also praised administrative officials for executing the project in record time.
Urban Outreach and Employment Opportunities
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood revealed that in just 56 days of operation, the 45 existing canteens served over 14,58,000 meals — averaging approximately 26,000 meals per day. With the addition of 25 more canteens, the daily beneficiary count is expected to rise significantly.


The scheme plans to establish canteens in major markets, industrial hubs, hospitals, and labor-dense localities to maximize outreach. The government has also proposed involving local youth and women’s self-help groups in operations, thereby generating employment alongside food security.

LG Assures Full Support
Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, after inaugurating the facilities virtually, affirmed his full cooperation in implementing welfare policies in the interest of Delhi’s residents. He termed the initiative a “noble mission” that would earn the blessings of the people.

A Step Toward Inclusive Governance
Local MLA Dr. Anil Goyal called the Atal Canteen initiative a symbol of social commitment and service, aligning it with the broader vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”


Public response to the scheme has been largely positive, with residents describing it as a historic and people-centric decision. The government has announced phased expansion across other districts in the near future.


The Atal Canteen Scheme, officials assert, is not merely a food subsidy programme but a statement of social responsibility — combining affordability, dignity, and governance accountability under one roof.