In a significant move to combat hunger and empower women, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta laid the foundation stone for an 'Atal Canteen' in the Sanjay Basti area of Central Delhi's Timarpur on Friday, November 22, 2025.
A Vision to End Hunger
The Chief Minister stated that the core motto of her government's initiative is to ensure that no person in the city has to go to bed hungry. This project is a cornerstone of the administration's welfare agenda, aiming to provide immediate relief to the underprivileged sections of society.
Affordable and Nutritious Meals
Under the ambitious Atal Canteen scheme, nutritious and freshly prepared meals will be available for a nominal cost of just Rs 5. This highly subsidized rate is designed to make wholesome food accessible to all, including daily wage workers, students, and low-income families.
The government had previously announced its plan to launch 100 such canteens across the national capital. The official city-wide rollout is scheduled for December 25, which marks the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after whom the scheme is named.
Boosting Women's Employment
Beyond food security, the project has a strong focus on economic empowerment. The BJP-led government plans to leverage this initiative to generate employment opportunities. The canteens will specifically aim to employ women from self-help groups, local women, and gig workers.
This dual-pronged strategy not only addresses the critical issue of malnutrition and hunger but also contributes to financial independence for women at the grassroots level, creating a positive ripple effect in the community.
