The Delhi government is accelerating efforts to fulfill a key election promise with the planned launch of 100 Atal canteens across the city this December. In an effort to give workers and the city’s impoverished populations access to reasonably priced, wholesome food, officials revealed on Saturday that these canteens will serve meals at a heavily discounted price, possibly as low as ₹5 per plate.
What is the Timeline for This Project?
The government is targeting an ambitious launch date of December 25 this year, a date chosen to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the initiative’s namesake. Officials announced on Saturday that these canteens will provide meals at a substantially discounted price, maybe as low as ₹5 per plate, in an attempt to provide affordable, healthful food to the city’s poor communities and workers.
Who Will Benefit from the Atal Canteens?
The primary goal of the scheme is to reach economically weaker sections of society. As announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in her budget speech, these canteens will be strategically located in slum areas and near major construction sites. Workers, daily wage earners, and low-income households experiencing food insecurity are the target audience for this initiative. The goal is to turn the government’s promise of “no one remains hungry in Delhi” into real action.
How Will the Canteens Operate?
While the meals will be heavily subsidized, officials have clarified that the food will not be free. This effort is aimed at low-income households that are facing food insecurity, workers, and daily wage earners. This dedicated team will finalize the menu, design the canteens’ signs and logos, and set up machines like roti makers for efficient service. The plan follows the Atal canteens in Haryana, which have helped boost food security.
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What is the Financial and Political Significance?
The Atal canteen initiative was a flagship pledge by the BJP in the February 2025 Assembly elections. To demonstrate its commitment, the government set aside a sizeable ₹100 crore for the project in the 2025–2026 budget. From floating tenders to establishing a specialized administrative branch, the swift development indicates a strong political push to implement this high-profile social program within the first year of its term, strengthening its attractiveness to the intended voter bases.
