Atal Canteen Offers Rs 5 Thali At 100 Centres In Delhi From Today: Full Menu And Timings Explained
The Delhi government on Wednesday rolled out the Atal Canteen scheme , offering full, nutritious meals for just Rs 5 at 100 locations across the national capital. The initiative aims to support poor families, daily wage labourers and low-income residents by ensuring access to affordable food with dignity. The programme was formally launched by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
With rising food prices making even basic meals unaffordable for many, the scheme seeks to address hunger and nutritional insecurity in urban areas. The government has described the initiative as a step towards ensuring that no one in Delhi goes to bed hungry.
Officials said the focus has been on providing simple, wholesome food that meets daily nutritional needs, especially for people who struggle to afford regular meals. The meals are prepared keeping hygiene and quality standards in mind.
Each canteen will serve two meals a day. Lunch will be available from 11 am to 4 pm, while dinner will be served between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm. On average, every canteen is expected to cater to around 500 people daily, ensuring wide coverage across neighbourhoods with high footfall of workers and economically weaker sections.
The scheme has been named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee to reflect values of inclusivity and social welfare, officials said.
Additionally, all canteens will be monitored through CCTV cameras, with real-time oversight via the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s digital platform. Authorities said this would help maintain hygiene standards, manage crowds and ensure smooth functioning of the centres.
As more canteens open in the coming weeks, the government hopes the initiative will play a meaningful role in strengthening food security across the capital.
With rising food prices making even basic meals unaffordable for many, the scheme seeks to address hunger and nutritional insecurity in urban areas. The government has described the initiative as a step towards ensuring that no one in Delhi goes to bed hungry.
What The Rs 5 Thali Includes
Each Atal Canteen will serve a complete and balanced meal at a nominal cost of Rs 5. The thali includes dal, rice, chapati, a seasonal vegetable and pickle, offering both nutrition and satiety. In most parts of Delhi, a similar meal would typically cost several hundred rupees, depending on the locality and type of eatery.Officials said the focus has been on providing simple, wholesome food that meets daily nutritional needs, especially for people who struggle to afford regular meals. The meals are prepared keeping hygiene and quality standards in mind.
Locations And Daily Timings Across Delhi
The scheme has been launched in phases. As of now, 45 Atal Canteens have started operations in areas such as RK Puram, Jangpura, Shalimar Bagh, Greater Kailash, Rajouri Garden, Narela and Bawana. The remaining 55 canteens are expected to become operational in the coming days.Each canteen will serve two meals a day. Lunch will be available from 11 am to 4 pm, while dinner will be served between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm. On average, every canteen is expected to cater to around 500 people daily, ensuring wide coverage across neighbourhoods with high footfall of workers and economically weaker sections.
Focus On Dignity And Inclusion
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Atal Canteen initiative was not just about food, but about dignity and compassion. She stated that the canteens are envisioned as safe and respectful spaces where no one feels marginalised while accessing a basic necessity like food.The scheme has been named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee to reflect values of inclusivity and social welfare, officials said.
Digital Token System And Monitoring
To streamline operations and ensure transparency, the Delhi government has introduced a digital token system for meal distribution. This replaces the earlier practice of manual coupons and is aimed at reducing misuse while improving efficiency.Additionally, all canteens will be monitored through CCTV cameras, with real-time oversight via the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s digital platform. Authorities said this would help maintain hygiene standards, manage crowds and ensure smooth functioning of the centres.
A Step Towards Food Security In Urban Delhi
The Atal Canteen scheme adds to Delhi’s growing list of welfare initiatives focused on essential services. With its low-cost model and wide coverage, the programme is expected to offer relief to thousands of residents every day, particularly those affected by inflation and unstable incomes.As more canteens open in the coming weeks, the government hopes the initiative will play a meaningful role in strengthening food security across the capital.
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