Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated a new set of Atal Canteens across the national capital, offering nutritious meals at just ₹5. The initiative is aimed at providing affordable food to daily wage workers, labourers, street vendors, and low-income residents who struggle to access hygienic meals near their workplaces.
With 25 new canteens launched in one day and a broader target of 100 outlets, the scheme is being positioned as a large-scale urban welfare intervention that could benefit nearly 70,000 people daily.
The Atal Canteens are strategically located near workplaces and high-footfall public areas to serve those most in need of affordable meals. Each canteen is expected to provide around 1,000 meals per day.
The initiative aims to significantly ease daily hardship for labourers and low-income mresidents who often skip meals or rely on expensive street food options. The government estimates that once the network expands, the number of beneficiaries will rise further.
The programme was formally launched on December 25, 2025 (Vajpayee’s birth anniversary) reinforcing its symbolic connection to inclusive governance.
The scheme reflects the government’s intention to provide food security to daily wage workers. The expansion will continue until 100 canteens are operational.
On Thursday alone, 25 new Atal Canteens were inaugurated across Delhi, including one in Krishna Nagar. The larger goal is to expand the network to 100 canteens, which could dramatically increase the scheme’s reach.
The Delhi government has allocated approximately ₹104 crore for the operation and management of the Atal Canteen Scheme.
Beyond the financial outlay, the administration is projecting the initiative as a long-term urban support mechanism designed to provide dignity and food security to those who keep the city’s economy running, from construction workers to rickshaw pullers.
While the cost per plate is minimal, the scheme’s social impact could be significant. Affordable meals reduce daily expenditure burdens for low-income workers, potentially increasing disposable income and improving nutrition standards.
In a city where the cost of living remains high, such interventions serve as targeted relief measures that complement broader welfare policies.
The expansion of Atal Canteens under the Rekha Gupta government marks a renewed focus on grassroots urban welfare. With meals priced at just ₹5 and an ambitious target of 100 outlets, the scheme aims to combine affordability, accessibility and dignity for thousands of daily earners across Delhi.
As the network scales up, its success will likely be measured not just in meals served, but in the everyday relief it provides to the city’s working class.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Feb 20, 2026, 1:40 PM IST
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