On the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the 'Atal Canteens' across the national capital on Thursday, December 25, 2025. This initiative aims to provide subsidized meals to the poor and low-income residents of Delhi.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Gupta stated that 45 Atal Canteens are being launched in the first phase, fulfilling a key election promise. Work on the remaining 55 canteens is expected to be completed soon. The Chief Minister emphasized that the scheme aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to laborers, needy people, and families living in "jhuggi" clusters for just Rs 5, ensuring they can eat with dignity. She also added that lakhs of residents would benefit from this initiative.
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar was also present at the event. CM Gupta recalled Vajpayee's contribution to Delhi's infrastructure, mentioning that he flagged off the Delhi Metro on December 24, 2002. She noted the expansion of the metro network under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CM Gupta also criticized previous Delhi governments for making promises without releasing funds, while highlighting her government's commitment by releasing Rs 2,700 crore for pending projects.
The Delhi government will subsidize Rs 25 per plate, with the actual cost of a meal being around Rs 30. The menu includes 100 grams of rice, 100 grams of seasonal dal, 100 grams of seasonal vegetables, and six rotis, ensuring a balanced meal. Each canteen can serve approximately 1,000 people during lunch and dinner hours. The canteens will operate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Atal Canteens are expected to primarily serve workers, laborers, rickshaw pullers, sanitation staff, and other daily wage earners. The initiative reflects a new model of governance in Delhi, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, focused on honesty, integrity, and public service.
To ensure efficient distribution, the Delhi government has implemented a digital token system. CCTV cameras will also be installed at all canteens for real-time monitoring through the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s digital platform. The kitchens are equipped with modern appliances, LPG-based cooking systems, industrial RO water facilities, and cold storage.
The launch event saw simultaneous inaugurations at various locations across Delhi, including Lajpat Nagar, where CM Gupta traveled by Delhi Metro.
