In a significant move aimed at food security for the underprivileged, the Delhi government is all set to inaugurate 50 Atal Canteens across the national capital on Thursday, December 25. These canteens will provide highly subsidized, nutritious meals at a nominal cost of just Rs 5 per plate.
Affordable Nutrition for the Urban Poor
The canteens are strategically located in or near slum clusters and are designed to primarily benefit daily wage earners and the city's urban poor. Each outlet will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, serving up to 500 plates daily during two time slots: afternoon and evening.
The launch date holds symbolic importance as it marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after whom the initiative is named. The main inauguration event will be held in Malviya Nagar at 11 am, where Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will formally launch the service. BJP MLAs from constituencies hosting these canteens will attend local-level events.
What's on the Plate?
Each Rs 5 meal promises a balanced and hearty spread. The standard menu for every plate includes:
- 100 grams of rice or millets
- 300 grams of chapatis (rotis)
- 100 grams of seasonal vegetables
- 100 grams of dal (lentils)
- A serving of pickle
This ensures beneficiaries receive a wholesome meal comprising essential carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
Logistics, Subsidy, and Expansion Plans
Given that most canteen structures are small and partially pucca, meals will not be cooked on-site. Instead, food will be prepared in decentralized kitchens and transported to the respective canteens for distribution.
The economics of the scheme reveal a substantial government subsidy. While the beneficiary pays only Rs 5, the actual cost of each meal is approximately Rs 30. The remaining amount will be borne by the government, making it a heavily subsidized welfare project.
The project is being implemented by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), the government agency responsible for slum management and urban poor welfare. An official confirmed that the number of canteens is planned to be increased from 50 to 100 in the coming months.
Overcoming Implementation Hurdles
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood addressed initial delays, stating that while around 50 canteens are fully ready, food will be served at all 100 planned locations from day one. He attributed construction delays at some sites to restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is enforced to control air pollution. The remaining structures will be completed soon.
Echoing this, BJP MLA from Kasturba Nagar, Neeraj Basoya, mentioned that three canteens in his constituency faced similar GRAP-related delays but will be operational from the launch date. These canteens aim to cater to the poor living in nearby slums.
Minister Sood emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "The objective is to support those in need, and we are fully committed to delivering on the promises our party made." This initiative marks a concrete step towards addressing hunger and providing affordable nutrition to Delhi's most vulnerable populations.
