Did Atal Canteens Serve 64,446 People in Just 72 Hours?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 64,446 meals served in 72 hours.
- Meals available for only Rs 5.
- Initiative launched on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birth anniversary.
- Government subsidizes Rs 25 for each meal.
- Focus on nutritious and wholesome food.
New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the recently inaugurated 'Atal Canteens' have experienced a remarkable response from the public, having served 64,446 individuals with Rs 5 meals within just 72 hours since the launch of the initiative.
The Chief Minister highlighted this achievement in a social media update.
On Thursday, Gupta opened 45 of the planned 100 Atal Canteens in the capital to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Following this, additional canteens were launched by local MLAs in their areas.
This initiative is designed to offer affordable and nutritious meals to the population at significantly subsidized rates.
According to government statistics, 17,587 people were served meals on December 25, with 8,604 during lunch and 8,983 during dinner.
On December 26, by 7:30 p.m., 15,805 individuals had taken advantage of the meals provided at Atal Canteens, which included 10,696 during lunch hours and 5,109 during the early dinner period, as stated by a government release.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar along with BJP leaders Ashish Sood and Tarvinder Singh Marwah, who were seen enjoying meals at an Atal Canteen to celebrate the occasion.
During her address, Chief Minister Gupta paid homage to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, referring to him as a “yug purush” who was born 100 years ago.
As the 101st birth anniversary approaches, the government considered how best to honor his legacy, leading to the establishment of the Atal Canteens.
“The decision to launch Atal Canteens was intentionally made on this important day,” she noted.
Detailing the program, Gupta explained that meals at the canteens are available for just Rs 5. She clarified that while consumers pay Rs 5, the actual meal cost is around Rs 30, with the government covering a subsidy of Rs 25.
She mentioned that Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar received the first meal slip, followed by herself.
The Chief Minister characterized the food served at the canteens as “satvik”, underscoring its nutritious and wholesome nature.
Later, in a post on X, Gupta remarked that this initiative was inspired by a vision of service, good governance, and the welfare of the less fortunate.
“This initiative will ensure that Delhi evolves into a capital where food is served with dignity, and no one goes to bed hungry,” she expressed.