Plate of dignity: Delhi govt’s ‘Atal Canteen’ to bring affordable meals to thousands
The Delhi CM stated that meals will be provided for Rs5. The locations of the centers have not yet been declared. Gupta further added that the responsibility of operating these centers has been given to various organisations. Recommendations regarding location selection, menu, distribution system, and management structure have been implemented by an inter-departmental committee.
New Delhi: Delhi government is set to launch a new initiative titled the "Atal Canteen” scheme, aimed at providing affordable and nutritious meals to the needy people of the city. The initiative will be launched on 25th December 2025, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Under the initiative, meals will be available at 100 different locations across the city on Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. The scheme aims to bring relief to the poor, the working class, and the common people of Delhi. According to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the scheme will not only provide support to economically weaker sections but will also strengthen the principles of social equality and dignity.
How the scheme will be beneficial
The Delhi CM stated that meals will be provided for Rs5. The locations of the centers have not yet been declared. Gupta further added that the responsibility of operating these centers has been given to various organisations. Recommendations regarding location selection, menu, distribution system, and management structure have been implemented by an inter-departmental committee.
The menu will include dal-rice, vegetables, and roti. Each location will serve 500 plates in the morning and 500 in the evening. According to the Chief Minister, the government will provide subsidies to maintain the quality of food.
The CM also said 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. CCTV cameras will be installed at all distribution centers, with real-time monitoring via DUSIB’s digital platform.
Kitchens will be equipped with modern facilities, including LPG-based cooking systems, industrial RO water systems, and cold storage units. To ensure food quality, samples of both food and raw materials will be tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories. Agencies will be required to submit monthly reports on food distribution, employee health certificates, fire safety certificates, and valid FSSAI food safety licenses.
Vision behind the scheme
CM Rekha Gupta reiterated that the scheme aims to provide affordable, clean, and nutritious food for all. She stated that the initiative is dedicated to Atal Ji’s deep love and compassion for the poor. He always said that poverty is not only economic, but also a lack of opportunities.” Inspired by this thought, the Delhi government is taking this step.
The objective of the Atal Thali Yojana is to ensure that no citizen of Delhi sleeps hungry. The Chief Minister emphasised that this scheme is not merely about providing food, but is also a concrete effort toward ensuring a dignified life and promoting social equality.