Following the formal launch of the ‘Atal Canteen’ scheme by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in Lajpat Nagar, several Delhi Ministers on Thursday inaugurated similar facilities in their respective constituencies, an official said.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa inaugurated an Atal Canteen in Shyam Nagar, Rajouri Garden, marking a step towards providing affordable, hygienic and nutritious meals to daily wage workers and the needy at a subsidised price of Rs 5.
Sirsa thanked the Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that the promise of dignified, low-cost meals for the working class and underprivileged is implemented on the ground.
Addressing local residents, Sirsa said each Atal Canteen is designed to reflect former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of prioritising service to the poorest. He added that every canteen will cater to at least 1,000 people twice a day.
“Our effort through these canteens is to ensure that no one in Delhi sleeps hungry and that every hardworking citizen has access to a clean and wholesome meal,” Sirsa said.
Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh inaugurated an Atal Canteen at JJC, Indra Camp-3, Vikaspuri. It was also announced that three Atal Canteens will be opened in the Vikaspuri Assembly constituency in the coming days to further expand access to affordable meals.
Each Atal Canteen will serve up to 1,000 plates daily on a first-come, first-served basis, operating in two shifts — from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu will include seasonal vegetables, rice or millets, roti, dal and pickle to ensure nutritious and hygienic meals for the underprivileged.
Addressing the gathering, Pankaj Kumar Singh said the Atal Canteen initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development and compassionate governance.
Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inaugurated Atal Canteens at A-Block SRS/JJ Colony, Bawana, and C-Block, Shahbad Dairy. The minister personally served food at the canteens, reviewed meal quality and interacted with beneficiaries to gather feedback.
He directed officials to strictly adhere to the Chief Minister’s instructions, emphasising that there should be no compromise on food quality and that adequate nutrition must be ensured in the Rs 5 meals through continuous monitoring.
–IANS
