Delhi govt achieves target of 100 Atal Canteens in 8 months

New Delhi, Aug 16 (AHN) The Delhi government's 'Atal Canteen' scheme achieved a major milestone on Sunday with the inauguration of the 100th facility, coinciding with the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an official said.

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 25 new Atal Canteens on Sunday from the Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, and other dignitaries, an official statement said.

The scheme was launched on December 25, 2025, on the occasion of Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, former Vice-President Naidu said that launching 100 Atal Canteens in Delhi is a highly commendable initiative.

"Its goal is to provide affordable and nutritious food to the poor, slum dwellers, labourers, and people arriving in Delhi from various parts of the country in search of employment," he added.

Naidu emphasised that this is no ordinary scheme, but a true example of sensitivity and service toward the most vulnerable sections of society.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that achieving the target of 100 Atal Canteens is a major milestone for the Delhi government.

"This initiative is a meaningful tribute dedicated to the spirit of 'Antyodaya' (last mile delivery) and the ideals of public service upheld by revered Atal Ji. Atal Ji's life was devoted to the welfare of the person standing at the last mile of society and to the service of the nation," she added.

"Carrying forward those very values, the Delhi government is striving to ensure that no needy person is deprived of respectful and nutritious food," she said.

She noted: "A canteen has also been opened on Sunday near the Delhi University Metro Station. In this university area, students live away from their families in hostels and PG accommodations; now students can access nutritious and affordable food at this canteen."

Public representatives, including Surya Prakash Khatri, along with senior officials and staff from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), were present at the event.

On this occasion, all guests dined at the Atal Canteen and personally inspected the quality of food and operational arrangements provided under the scheme.