In a significant move to combat hunger and ensure food security with respect, the national capital witnessed the inauguration of 45 Atal Canteens on Thursday. These canteens will provide heavily subsidized, nutritious meals at a nominal cost of just Rs 5 per plate. The initiative was launched to mark the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A Meal with Dignity: The Vision Behind the Initiative
The canteens were inaugurated by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, and Delhi Minister Ashish Sood. Speaking at the launch, CM Gupta emphasized that the core idea is to ensure that lakhs of people, including labourers, needy families, and residents of jhuggi clusters, can access a full meal with dignity. Union Minister Manohar Lal described the scheme as a historic step inspired by Vajpayee's ideals of service and good governance, calling it a commitment to support citizens at the last mile.
How the Atal Canteens Operate
Each canteen will serve meals twice daily. Lunch is available from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. To ensure smooth operations, a systematic process is followed. Diners, like 11-year-old Shambu who was among the first visitors at the Nehru Nagar canteen, provide their name and contact number at the counter. A photograph is taken via a webcam, and a coupon is generated. This data is updated in real-time on the DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board) portal to monitor reach and prevent misuse.
Mukesh Sharma, the catering service owner, explained that the food is prepared in a central kitchen and transported in hot containers to maintain quality and hygiene. He added that DUSIB will conduct regular inspections to ensure consistent food standards. The system is designed so that no one leaves without a meal.
Immediate Impact and Public Response
The canteens saw an overwhelming response on their very first day. Within an hour of opening, queues lengthened as people from various walks of life arrived. Ramkali, a 50-year-old cleaning staff, was brought by her mother who had heard about the "new hotel." She appreciated the good quality food and even brought children from her neighbourhood.
For workers like Ajay Mandal, a sanitation worker whose family lives in Bihar, the canteen is a safety net. It guarantees a wholesome meal on days when work is scarce and money is tight. The clientele primarily included daily wage earners, construction workers, cab drivers, and labourers seeking an affordable meal after a long day's work.
This initiative was a key promise in the BJP's Delhi election manifesto. The government has announced that 55 more Atal Canteens will become operational across Delhi within the next 15 to 20 days, significantly expanding the network of affordable food access.
