Govt launches Atal Canteens on Vajpayee’s birth anniversary

The Delhi Government on Thursday launched the Atal Canteen scheme on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The canteens will provide nutritious meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 to workers, the poor and other needy citizens of the capital.

Speaking at the inauguration event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said 45 Atal Canteens are being inaugurated in line with the government’s election promise, while work on the remaining 55 will be completed soon.

“Under the scheme, labourers, needy people and families living in jhuggi clusters will get a full meal for Rs 5. The idea is to ensure that people eat with dignity,” she said, adding that lakhs of residents would benefit from the initiative.

Recalling Vajpayee’s contribution to Delhi’s infrastructure, the chief minister said the former prime minister flagged off the Delhi Metro on December 24, 2002, when Kolkata was the only city with a metro system.

She said the capital now has a 394-km metro network, which was expanded further under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She also took a swipe at previous governments, alleging they made promises without releasing funds. She said the present Government is releasing Rs 2,700 crore even for projects pertaining to earlier periods.

Highlighting welfare measures, she said Rs 700 crore has been earmarked this year for improving living conditions in jhuggi clusters, and regular meetings are being held to facilitate housing for slum dwellers.

The chief minister also announced administrative reforms, including increasing the number of revenue districts in Delhi from 11 to 13.

“With the power of a single vote, we are working to strengthen facilities and governance for the people,” she said.

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, along with Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near ‘Apna Bazaar’ in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar. Delhi Government Cabinet Minister Shri Ashish Sood, MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.

Union Minister Manohar Lal said Delhi’s people suffered in the last 20 years. “The previous governments did not do anything. For the last 20 years, Delhi has been crying and asking for facilities. But now that there is a BJP Government at the Centre and in Delhi, work is happening for the welfare of people,” he added.

He said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance and human sensitivity.

He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile. By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.

Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood said that the day is particularly significant as it marks the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He stated that launching the Atal Canteen on this sacred day is a true tribute to the former prime minister. Sood said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s life teaches the true values of good governance, where compassion is more important than power and sensitivity more important than authority.

Delhi Government’s Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh inaugurated the Atal Canteens along with local residents at A-Block SRS/JJ Colony, Bawana and C-Block, Shahbad Dairy.

Delhi Health and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, on Thursday, inaugurated an Atal Canteen at JJC, Indra Camp-3, Vikaspuri.

He also announced that three Atal Canteens will be opened in the Vikaspuri Assembly constituency in the coming days.

As a gesture of inclusivity and solidarity, the Minister also sat and shared a meal with beneficiaries at the canteen, including a woman resident, interacting with them and receiving first-hand feedback on the initiative.

CM rides Metro to promote clean travel

New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta travelled by Metro to convey the message of environmental protection. She travelled from Delhi Gate Metro Station to Lajpat Nagar Metro Station. During the journey, she interacted with fellow commuters, listened attentively to their experiences and sought feedback on Government schemes.

By encouraging greater use of public transport, especially the Delhi Metro, the Chief Minister conveyed the message that increased reliance on public transport can significantly help reduce air pollution in Delhi.