New Delhi – The Delhi government yesterday commemorated the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with the launch of the Atal canteens Delhi scheme, a groundbreaking initiative to provide nutritious meals at just ₹5 to workers, the urban poor, and other needy residents across the capital. The subsidised food program represents a significant step toward ensuring food security for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
The Atal canteens Delhi scheme was inaugurated at Nehru Nagar in south Delhi by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, marking a new era in welfare-oriented governance in the national capital.
Comprehensive Rollout Plan for Atal Canteens
According to officials, the Atal canteens Delhi scheme will cover 100 canteens citywide, with 45 becoming operational immediately. The remaining 55 Atal canteens Delhi locations are expected to start functioning within 15-20 days, ensuring rapid expansion of this critical social welfare program.
The Atal canteens Delhi initiative has been implemented through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which will oversee operations, maintain quality standards, and ensure consistent service delivery across all locations throughout the capital.
Meal Service and Menu Details
The Atal canteens Delhi will serve meals twice daily, offering a standardised menu comprising dal, rice, roti, and vegetables. This nutritionally balanced meal combination ensures that beneficiaries receive adequate nutrition at an extremely affordable price point of just ₹5 per meal.
All Atal canteens Delhi facilities have been equipped with modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants to ensure hygiene and quality. The infrastructure investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing dignified dining experiences for beneficiaries.
Quality Control and Monitoring Systems
To maintain high standards, the Atal canteens Delhi scheme has instituted comprehensive monitoring mechanisms. A digital token system has been implemented for efficient service delivery, while CCTV surveillance ensures transparency and accountability in operations.
Food quality at Atal canteens Delhi locations will be tested periodically by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories. Regular audits have been instituted to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, giving beneficiaries confidence in the meals they consume.
Symbolic Pricing and Dignity Preservation
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that the launch of Atal canteens Delhi “reflects an approach centred on service and welfare.” The nominal ₹5 charge represents a thoughtful balance between accessibility and dignity.
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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta explained that the ₹5 charge at Atal canteens Delhi is a symbolic contribution designed to preserve beneficiaries’ dignity and discourage waste. She directed officials to maintain high hygiene and quality standards across all canteen locations, emphasizing that affordability should never compromise quality.
Chief Minister’s Metro Journey and Environmental Message
To reach the inauguration venue, CM Gupta took the Metro, where she interacted with commuters and emphasized the role of public transport in reducing pollution. Her choice to use public transportation for the Atal canteens Delhi launch event sent a strong message about environmental responsibility.
Gupta noted that the Metro project was initiated during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister. The network now spans 394 kilometers and carries approximately 3.5 million passengers daily, representing one of Vajpayee’s lasting legacies to Delhi’s infrastructure.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sadbhavana Udyan Inauguration
In addition to the Atal canteens Delhi launch, the Delhi Development Authority formally named an 11-acre green space in Daryaganj as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sadbhavana Udyan. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena presided over the naming ceremony in the presence of Chief Minister Gupta.
The park is the second in a series of three being redeveloped along Mahatma Gandhi Marg near the Walled City. It features lawns, white marble pathways, shaded plazas, baradaris, sculpted fountains, public amenities, and recreational zones.
A central installation of five horses driven by a sarathi symbolizes leadership and progress. Four Yakshini sculptures by Padma Vibhushan awardee Sudarshan Sahoo are installed, a clock tower is under construction, and a food van facility is planned near the parking area.
Larger Urban Development Vision
DDA officials stated that the park is part of a larger 35-acre green belt redevelopment along 1.7 kilometers of Ring Road, aimed at expanding public recreational space and decongesting central Delhi’s landscaped areas. This comprehensive urban development complements the Atal canteens Delhi social welfare initiative.
Vajpayee’s Legacy Remembered
At an Atal Smriti Sammelan in Kasturba Nagar, BJP national executive president Nitin Naveen praised Vajpayee’s leadership qualities. He recalled Vajpayee’s historic speech at the United Nations delivered in Hindi, which instilled national pride and restored the language’s global prominence.
Naveen noted that Vajpayee stood firmly for the honor of soldiers after the Kargil conflict and consistently placed national interest above personal power. The launch of Atal canteens Delhi continues this legacy of service-oriented governance that defined Vajpayee’s political career.
