The Delhi government on Thursday inaugurated 25 Atal Canteens across the national capital, aiming to provide affordable and nutritious meals to the urban poor, daily-wage labourers, and other vulnerable residents.
Chief Minister Gupta formally opened one of the canteens at Krishna Nagar in the presence of Union Minister and local MP Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, and BJP MLA Anil Goyal. The initiative forms part of the Atal Canteen Scheme, inspired by the vision that no Delhi resident should go to bed hungry.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister commended the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for completing the project in a remarkably short period. He described the scheme as aligned with the ideals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after whom the canteens are named.
Each Atal Canteen is designed to serve approximately 1,000 meals per day. With 25 operational canteens now active, the programme is expected to benefit over 1 lakh people daily throughout the city. The meals focus on nutritious, wholesome food at highly subsidised rates to address food insecurity among low-income groups.
Also read: CM launches Rs 100cr development projects in Delhi's RK Puram
The scheme was officially launched on December 25, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. To ensure smooth functioning, the Delhi government has allocated ₹104 crore for the operation, maintenance, and management of these canteens.
The Atal Canteen Scheme represents a targeted welfare measure to support Delhi's large migrant workforce and economically weaker sections. By providing accessible, quality meals at minimal cost, the initiative seeks to reduce hunger and improve nutritional outcomes in urban areas.
Officials noted that the canteens are strategically located in high-density zones frequented by labourers and daily-wage earners. The government plans to monitor the scheme closely and expand it based on demand and feedback from beneficiaries.
This rollout underscores the administration's priority on social welfare and inclusive development, drawing inspiration from national leaders committed to public service and poverty alleviation.
Follow us
