Delhi Government Launches the ‘Atal Canteen’ Scheme for the Poor and Common Citizens

Nutritious Meals at Affordable Prices at 100 Locations on Atal Ji’s Birth Anniversary: CM Rekha Gupta

Digital Token System and CCTV Monitoring to Ensure Full Transparency: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : In a significant public welfare initiative aimed at bringing relief to the poor, labourers, and ordinary citizens, the Rekha Government of Delhi is set to launch the ‘Atal Canteen Scheme’. Under this scheme, citizens will be provided with clean, hot, and nutritious meals for just ₹5. The initiative will not only serve as a source of support for economically weaker sections but will also strengthen the principles of social equality and dignity.

Announcing this, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that in the first phase, Atal Canteens will be opened at 100 locations across the capital, for which sites have already been identified. These canteens will be inaugurated on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Chief Minister added that the responsibility for operating these centres is being entrusted to selected organisations. An inter-departmental committee has already approved recommendations regarding site selection, menu, distribution system, and management framework. The menu will include dal-chawal (lentils and rice), vegetables, and roti (bread). At each centre, 500 meals will be served in the morning and 500 in the evening. According to the Chief Minister, the government will provide subsidies to maintain food quality.

The Chief Minister further informed that the entire food distribution process will be operated through a digital token system to eliminate any possibility of irregularities. Manual coupons will not be permitted. All distribution centres will be equipped with CCTV cameras, enabling real-time monitoring through DUSIB’s digital platform. Each kitchen will be equipped with modern appliances, LPG-based cooking systems, industrial RO water facilities, and cold storage. To ensure the quality of food, samples of meals and raw materials will be tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories. The implementing agencies will also be required to submit monthly reports on food distribution, employee health certificates, fire safety certificates, and valid FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) licences.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that this scheme is a strong step towards ensuring a life of dignity for every poor and working citizen of Delhi. She said that Atal Canteen will become the soul of Delhi, a place where no one will have to sleep hungry. Providing affordable, clean, and nutritious food to every person is the firm commitment of her government.

The Chief Minister further noted that the scheme is a tribute to Atal Ji’s deep compassion and concern for the underprivileged. Atal Ji often said that “poverty is not merely a lack of money, but a lack of opportunity.” It is this belief that has inspired the Delhi Government to take this meaningful step.

The Atal Thali Yojana, she said, aims to ensure that no citizen of the capital goes hungry. This is not merely a food distribution scheme, but a determined effort to uphold dignity and strengthen social equality across Delhi.