Meals for just ₹5: Delhi launches 45 Atal Canteens to serve affordable, nutritious food

The Delhi BJP government recently inaugurated 45 of the proposed 100 Atal Canteens, offering wholesome meals at a highly subsidized rate of ₹5 per plate, in a major push to ensure food security for the city’s working poor and vulnerable communities.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally launched the initiative on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as a “yug purush” and calling the programme a fitting tribute to his legacy of inclusive governance. The inauguration was attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, along with senior BJP leaders Ashish Sood and Tarvinder Singh Marwah, who marked the occasion by dining at an Atal Canteen.

Of the 100 canteens planned in the first phase, 45 were inaugurated on Thursday, with the remaining centres to become operational after completion of logistical and infrastructure work. Khattar inaugurated the canteens virtually.

Explaining the scheme, the Chief Minister said each meal, priced at ₹5, has an actual cost of around ₹30, with the government bearing a subsidy of ₹25 per plate. “From today, the Delhi government is providing meals for just ₹5,” Gupta said, adding that the first meal slips were issued to Khattar and herself. She described the food served as “satvik”, underlining its nutritious and hygienic preparation.

“Inspired by the vision of service, good governance and welfare of the poor under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative will ensure that Delhi becomes a capital where food is received with dignity and no one sleeps hungry,” Gupta later wrote on X.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said launching the Atal Canteens on Vajpayee’s birth anniversary was a meaningful gesture. He termed the scheme a “gift to the people of Delhi” and noted that such initiatives were part of the BJP’s election manifesto commitments.

Designed primarily for daily wage workers, labourers and low-income families, each Atal Canteen will serve two meals a day—including dal and rice, roti and vegetables—and is expected to cater to around 1,000 people daily. Government sources said an inter-departmental committee has finalized the locations, menus and operating guidelines to ensure uniformity and quality across all centres.

To enhance transparency and prevent misuse, meals will be distributed through a digital token system, replacing manual coupons. CCTV cameras will be installed at all canteens, with real-time monitoring through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s digital platform. Kitchens will be equipped with LPG-based stoves, industrial RO water systems and cold storage facilities.

Officials said food samples will be routinely tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories, while operators must submit monthly reports on hygiene, staff health and safety compliance. Based on public response, the government plans to expand the Atal Canteen network further.

Beyond food security, the programme is also expected to generate employment, particularly through self-help groups and community kitchens involved in running the canteens, officials said.