Delhi's ₹5 Meal Miracle: Atal Canteen Opens Doors to Urban Poor
Image Source: Internet
In a significant move to address hunger and malnutrition among the urban poor, the Delhi government has launched the Atal Canteen initiative. The first 45 canteens, inaugurated on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are already making a positive impact. At the Nehru Nagar canteen in south Delhi, long queues formed outside the eatery as daily wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, and local residents waited to purchase coupons for meals priced at just ₹5 each. The menu includes a nutritious spread of dal, rice, mixed vegetables, chapati, and pickle. Residents like Rajender Kumar, a vegetable vendor, praised the initiative, saying the food is hot and hygienic, and the spacious seating area makes for a comfortable dining experience. For others like Bhim, a daily wage labourer, the canteen has been a game-changer, saving him at least ₹1,000 per month. With a capacity to serve up to 1,000 meals daily, the Atal Canteen scheme is a significant step towards providing affordable and hygienic food to workers, the urban poor, and other economically vulnerable groups. The initiative aims to open 100 canteens across Delhi, with the remaining 55 expected to launch in the next 15 to 20 days. As the response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, vendors are urging the government to ensure a steady supply of food to meet the demand. With the Atal Canteen, the Delhi government has taken a bold step towards addressing hunger and malnutrition, setting a precedent for other cities to follow.
