Rs 5-meal scheme to serve 1 lakh people daily

Backed by a budget of Rs 104.24 crore, the Atal Canteen Scheme began with the inauguration of 45 canteens, with plans to scale up to 100 locations across the capital.

Under the programme, each meal will cost Rs 30, of which beneficiaries will pay Rs 5 while the Government will bear the remaining Rs 25. Officials said the scheme is designed to address hunger, ensure nutrition, and reduce the daily food burden for low-income families, daily wage workers, and migrants.

Once fully operational, the network of 100 Atal Canteens is expected to serve over one lakh people every day. Each canteen will prepare around 1,000 meals daily, making the initiative one of the largest subsidised food programmes in the city. The remaining 55 canteens will be rolled out in phases in the coming months.

According to the government, the canteens will offer a standardised, nutritious menu that meets prescribed dietary norms. Each meal will weigh about 600 grams and provide an estimated 700-800 calories along with 20-25 grams of protein. The menu includes chapati or roti, dal or rajma or chole, a seasonal vegetable, rice, and pickle. Meals will be served twice a day, with lunch available from 11.30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6.30 pm to 9 pm.

Officials said the focus is not only on affordability but also on food safety and hygiene. To ensure quality, samples of cooked food and raw ingredients will be collected every fortnight and tested in DUSIB-authorised laboratories accredited by FSSAI and NABL. In addition, the Food Safety Department of the Delhi Government will conduct regular inspections and quality checks at canteen sites. Implementation and day-to-day operations will be handled by 11 experienced agencies selected by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) through a transparent tendering process. These agencies will be responsible for cooking, serving, and maintaining hygiene standards at the canteens.

The scheme is also expected to generate employment. Around 700 people will be engaged across the canteens, including cooks, helpers, and support staff, providing livelihood opportunities along with social welfare.

Residents at some of the newly opened sites welcomed the initiative, saying affordable meals would ease daily expenses, especially for families struggling with rising food prices. “Getting a full meal for Rs 5 makes a big difference,” said a construction worker waiting in line at one of the canteens.