Atal Canteens Launched in Delhi Offering Meals at Rs 5

The Delhi government on Thursday inaugurated Atal Canteens across the national capital to provide nutritious meals at a nominal cost of ₹5. The initiative was launched to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and aims to support workers, the urban poor, and other vulnerable groups with affordable food security.

Scale and Financial Commitment of the Scheme

An official statement said the government has allocated ₹104.24 crore for the operation and management of the Atal Canteen scheme. Each canteen will serve around 1,000 meals daily, benefiting more than one lakh people every day across Delhi. In total, 100 Atal Canteens are being established, with 45 inaugurated virtually on Thursday and the remaining 55 expected to become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.

Inauguration and Leadership Message

Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated an Atal Canteen near Apna Bazaar in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar. Both leaders, along with ministers and officials, partook of meals at the canteen and instructed authorities to maintain strict food quality and hygiene standards. Khattar described the initiative as a historic step inspired by service, good governance and human sensitivity.

Affordable Pricing and Nutritional Standards

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the symbolic ₹5 contribution preserves beneficiaries’ self-respect, encourages responsible consumption and prevents food wastage. While beneficiaries pay ₹5 per plate, the Delhi government bears ₹25 per meal. Each freshly cooked meal weighs about 600 grams, providing 700–800 calories and 20–25 grams of protein. Meals will be served twice daily, with lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi.
• Each meal costs ₹5 for beneficiaries, with ₹25 subsidised by the state.
• Meals provide 700–800 calories and 20–25 grams of protein.
• Food quality is monitored by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories.

Operations, Transparency and Employment Generation

The canteens will operate with standardised menus including dal, rice, roti and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems and industrial RO water plants. Digital token systems, CCTV surveillance and regular audits have been introduced to ensure transparency. Eleven experienced agencies have been selected by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board through a transparent tendering process, and the scheme is expected to generate employment for nearly 700 people.