Delhi Launches 45 Atal Canteens With ₹5 Thalis as CM Rekha Gupta Opens New Sites
Officials say digital tokens with CCTV will keep service transparent for low‑income diners.
Overview
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated outlets in Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh and also laid the foundation for an Atal Garden in Uttam Nagar.
- The first phase comprises 45 sites offering a ₹5 thali that includes dal, rice, roti, a seasonal vegetable and pickle.
- Authorities estimate each meal costs the government about ₹30, with operations using digital tokens, CCTV monitoring and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board oversight; each site is estimated to serve roughly 500 people daily.
- Reports describe service at lunch and dinner on a first‑come basis with standardised menus and no eligibility documentation required.
- The government signals rapid scale‑up, with statements pointing to more than 100 locations and separate reports citing 55 additional centres, while opposition parties question coverage and priorities and the administration defends the rollout.