What are Atal Canteens introduced in Delhi? Concept, menu of Rs 5 thali

Manohar Lal Khattar and Rekha Gupta have a meal as they inaugurate an 'Atal Canteen' on the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (Image: PTI)

• Delhi launches 100 Atal Canteens offering meals at Rs 5 for low-income residents
• 45 canteens opened; 55 more to open soon across Delhi
• Meals include dal, rice, chapati, vegetable, and pickle served twice daily

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Delhi government on Thursday launched 100 ‘Atal Canteens’ across the national capital to provide meals at a subsidised rate of just Rs 5 per plate, to the poor and those with low income. The inauguration came on the occasion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth centenary.

The inauguration event was attended by Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta. Around 45 Atal Canteens were inaugurated on Thursday, in line with the government's election promise, while work on the remaining 55 will be completed soon, news agency PTI quoted CM Gupta.

What are Atal Canteens?

Atal Canteens are subsidised food outlets named after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The move is inspired by Tamil Nadu’s Amma Canteens, where a thali is prices between Rs 5 to Rs 10 and Karnataka’s Indira Canteens where breakfast is provided for Rs 5 and lunch and dinner for Rs 10.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised to establish Atal Canteens in their Delhi election manifesto. The Delhi government looks to set up these canteens in every slum cluster, offering hot, cooked meals for just Rs 5.

What's on the menu?

At a subsidised rate of just Rs 5, low income and deprived residents of the national capital can avail a full plate meal, every morning and evening at the newly launched Atal Canteens.

The menu will comprise dal (legume), rice, chapati, a seasonal vegetable and a pickle.

Nearly 500 meals consisting these food items will be served every morning and evening at these canteens.

The centres are equipped with modern facilities including LPG-based cooking systems, industrial RO water facilities, and cold storage. Initiated by Delhi urban shelter improvement board's digital platform, officials will also be monitoring the canteens in real time through CCTV cameras.

Location of Atal Canteens

The Delhi government has opened doors to 45 Atal canteens spread across Delhi - RK Puram, Jangpura, Shalimar Bagh, Greater Kailash, Rajouri Garden, Narela, Bawana, among other locations.

The remaining 55 canteens will be inaugurated in the coming days.

These canteens will serve two meals a day - lunch between 11 am and 4 pm and dinner between 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm.