Story by Harshit Uttam I Updated : 27 December 2025
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated Atal Canteens to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, announcing that they will provide nutritious meals twice a day at the subsidized price of ₹5.
On Thursday, Atal Canteens were inaugurated to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, offering nutritious meals at a nominal price of ₹5.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta described the Atal Canteens scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
The programme seeks to ensure access to nutritious, budget-friendly meals for workers and disadvantaged communities in the capital. To run and manage this ambitious effort, the government has sanctioned ₹104.24 crore.
The statement highlighted that every Atal Canteen is expected to serve roughly 1,000 meals per day, ensuring over 1,00,000 people in Delhi benefit daily
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated an Atal Canteen near Apna Bazaar in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar. After dining with ministers and dignitaries, Gupta directed officials to ensure the highest levels of food quality and hygiene at the facility.
Khattar remarked that the Atal Canteens, opened on Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, reflect a historic initiative shaped by ideals of service, governance, and human concern. He added that the scheme is not just welfare but a firm commitment to dignified assistance for citizens at the grassroots.
He remarked that the availability of affordable, nutritious meals at ₹5 reflects the essence of public service. He further stated that, in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on service, governance, and support for the poor, the programme will make certain that hunger is eliminated in Delhi.
According to Gupta, the programme represents a crucial effort to provide respect and self-sufficiency to disadvantaged citizens. She emphasized that Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership and commitment to governance remain a guiding force for public service initiatives across the nation.
According to her, Delhi will soon have 100 Atal Canteens. While 45 were launched virtually on Thursday, the other 55 will start operations in the coming two to three weeks.
The Chief Minister explained that a token charge of ₹5 has been set to uphold the dignity of beneficiaries, promote mindful consumption, and reduce food wastage. While each plate of freshly prepared food costs ₹30, beneficiaries pay only ₹5, with the Delhi government covering the remaining ₹25.
Under the initiative, 100 Atal Canteens are being launched across Delhi, each providing two meals a day. A standardized menu of nutritious staples—dal-rice, roti, and vegetables—will be served, with facilities featuring modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking, and industrial RO water plants.
Authorities have implemented digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits to ensure smooth functioning and transparency. Food and raw materials will undergo routine testing by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to provide citizens with safe, high-quality meals.
Each meal served under the scheme weighs about 600 grams, delivering 700–800 calories and 20–25 grams of protein, consistent with balanced dietary standards. Lunch will be available from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. The initiative is expected to generate employment for nearly 700 individuals.
For the smooth functioning of Atal Canteens, DUSIB finalized 11 qualified agencies, selected through a fair and transparent tendering procedure.
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