Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena jointly inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens in the national capital, expanding the network of subsidised food centres aimed at economically weaker sections. The inauguration was conducted digitally from Nursery Basti in Krishna Nagar, where both leaders also sat with beneficiaries and shared a meal.
With the latest addition, the total number of operational Atal Canteens in the capital has risen to 71. The initiative, launched on 25 December 2025 to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aims to provide hygienic and nutritious meals at an affordable price of ₹5.
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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Beneficiaries and Purpose
Officials stated that the scheme primarily benefits daily wage earners, migrant workers, students, sanitation staff, rickshaw pullers, domestic workers, and other low-income groups. According to the Lieutenant Governor, the programme ensures that vulnerable citizens receive clean food while preserving dignity and accessibility.
Chief Minister Gupta said the canteens are dedicated to individuals who work tirelessly to support their families and that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure affordable and nutritious food access for labourers, street vendors, and construction workers. She also announced a target to expand the number of centres to 100 in the near future.
Implementation Mechanism
The canteens are operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, which manages logistics, food quality standards, and distribution systems. Authorities said locations were selected to maximise reach in areas with high concentrations of working-class residents.
Delhi Government’s One-Year Governance Highlights
Over the past year, the Delhi administration has emphasised welfare-oriented governance combined with infrastructure and service delivery improvements. Key focus areas highlighted by officials include:
- Expansion of subsidised food and shelter services
- Urban welfare programmes targeting migrant and informal workers
- Strengthening public service accessibility at the community level
- Increased attention to sanitation, civic amenities, and social support schemes
Government representatives state that these measures reflect an effort to balance welfare support with urban management, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by rising living costs.
Officials maintain that the expansion of Atal Canteens is part of a broader strategy to strengthen social security networks and ensure that basic necessities remain accessible to all sections of society.
