After CM Inaugurations, Delhi’s ₹5 Atal Canteens Draw Fresh Opposition Scrutiny

Overview

• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated canteens in Shalimar Bagh and Pitampura as part of the first phase that opened 45 outlets across Delhi.
• The government says meals priced at ₹5 cost about ₹30 to produce and are served twice daily via a digital token system under CCTV monitoring.
• Officials state the network will expand to more than 100 locations, with standardised thalis that include dal, rice, chapati, a seasonal vegetable and pickle.
• AAP alleges several sites listed as launched are not functioning on the ground, naming locations such as Shakur Basti, Punjabi Camp and Bhanwar Singh Camp.
• Congress leaders press for an urban employment guarantee with a ₹500 daily wage and question projected costs, while the government cites audits and FSSAI/NABL testing to ensure oversight and food safety.