Delhi Launches Atal Canteens Offering Nutritious Meals at ₹5

Scale of the Scheme and Budgetary Support

According to an official statement, the government has earmarked ₹104.24 crore for operating and managing the scheme. A total of 100 Atal Canteens are planned across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were inaugurated virtually , while the remaining 55 are expected to become operational within 15–20 days . Each canteen is designed to serve around 1,000 meals daily , collectively benefiting over one lakh people every day .

Inauguration and Leadership Vision

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta jointly inaugurated an Atal Canteen near Apna Bazaar in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar . Both leaders sampled the meals and directed officials to ensure high standards of hygiene, nutrition, and food safety . Khattar described the initiative as a reflection of Vajpayee’s ideals of service, good governance, and compassion.

Nutrition, Pricing and Meal Timings

Beneficiaries pay ₹5 per meal , while the Delhi government provides a subsidy of ₹25 per plate . Each freshly prepared meal weighs about 600 grams , offering 700–800 calories and 20–25 grams of protein . Meals will be served twice daily , with lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6:30 pm to 9 pm .

Operations and Transparency Measures

Standardised menus include dal, rice, roti and vegetables. The canteens are equipped with modern kitchens, LPG systems, RO water plants, CCTV surveillance, digital token systems , and periodic audits. Food quality will be monitored by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories . The scheme is being implemented through 11 agencies selected by DUSIB and is expected to generate around 700 jobs .

Important Facts for Exams

• 100 Atal Canteens are being established in Delhi

• Beneficiaries pay ₹5 per meal; ₹25 is subsidised by the state

• Each meal provides 700–800 calories

• Scheme launched on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary