Affordable Meals Launch
A significant expansion in Delhi's commitment to accessible food services was marked by the inauguration of 25 new Atal Canteens. This digital launch,
originating from Krishna Nagar's Nursery Basti, saw Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officiate the event. The addition of these canteens boosts the total operational number across the capital to an impressive 71. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries shared a meal with members of the public, underscoring the scheme's inclusive spirit and direct benefit to the community. This expansion signifies a substantial step forward in ensuring that clean, nutritious, and affordable meals are within reach for a larger segment of Delhi's population, particularly those facing economic challenges and relying on daily wages for their sustenance.
Scheme's Impact Highlighted
Lieutenant Governor Saxena articulated that the introduction of these 25 new Atal Canteens represents a pivotal moment for Delhi, enhancing the availability of wholesome food at pocket-friendly prices. He emphasized that the scheme, initiated on December 25th of the previous year to commemorate former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary, has become a crucial support system for various vulnerable groups. This includes individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, migrant laborers contributing to the city's workforce, students pursuing education in Delhi, as well as essential service providers like rickshaw pullers and sanitation workers. The government's provision of a Rs. 25 subsidy per meal ensures that recipients can dine with dignity, supported by rigorous quality and hygiene monitoring to maintain transparency and excellence in service delivery.
Dignity Through Dining
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta dedicated the Atal Canteens to the hardworking individuals who form the backbone of families and the city's economy. She highlighted the government's core responsibility to ensure that such essential workers have access to food that is not only affordable but also nutritious and served with respect. The initiative is designed to foster a sense of dignity, security, and belonging among the city's poor, laborers, street vendors, construction workers, and rickshaw pullers. Operating under the guiding principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,' the government aims to eradicate hunger in Delhi, providing balanced meals of dal, rice, roti, and vegetables for a mere Rs. 5. This move offers considerable relief to low-income households, with plans to further expand the network to 100 canteens to reach an even wider demographic.
Operational Excellence Ensured
To guarantee efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the Atal Canteens, several advanced measures have been implemented. Meals are now served using hygienic steel plates, and all billing processes are fully computerized, ensuring accuracy. The introduction of a digital token system and comprehensive CCTV monitoring further enhances accountability and operational oversight. The Chief Minister also proposed the establishment of an 'Atal Canteen corpus fund,' an innovative approach to encourage public and organizational participation through meal sponsorships on special occasions. These operational enhancements reflect the government's commitment to providing a seamless and trustworthy dining experience for all beneficiaries, aligning with the broader vision of a developed and inclusive Delhi.
Reaching the Last Person
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood reiterated the government's dedication to the principle of 'Antyodaya,' ensuring that support reaches the furthest and most in-need individuals in society. He provided compelling statistics, revealing that within the 57 days since the Atal Canteen scheme's inception on December 25th, a remarkable 1,458,301 people have already benefited from the Rs. 5 meals. Over the preceding 56 days, the 46 operational canteens served an average of nearly 26,000 people daily, with each canteen catering to over 31,000 individuals on average. The addition of the 25 new canteens is projected to extend this vital service to an additional 50,000 needy individuals each day. This initiative is viewed as a comprehensive societal support effort, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's philosophy of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'.
