20 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Social IssuesEconomyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Delhi Government's Atal Canteens Serve 1.4 Million Subsidized Meals

Delhi's Atal Canteens serve 1.4 million meals in two months, providing subsidized food.

Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 25 more Atal Canteens in Delhi, bringing the total to 71. These canteens serve subsidized meals to economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and others.

Since the scheme's launch on December 25, 14,58,301 people have been served. The government plans to open 100 such canteens, providing a subsidy of ₹25 per meal, offered at ₹5. The canteens are operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), each capable of serving 1,000 meals daily.

The Chief Minister also took a swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), highlighting the BJP government's faster progress in opening canteens.

Key Facts

Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated 25 more Atal Canteens.

The total number of Atal Canteens in Delhi is now 71.

The scheme was launched on December 25.

The scheme commemorates the 101st birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS Paper III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System - objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of food subsidy programs.

In Simple Words

The Delhi government is running cheap food stalls called Atal Canteens. They sell meals for just ₹5. This helps poor people, like laborers and students, get a decent meal without spending too much.

India Angle

In India, many people struggle to afford regular meals, especially in cities. These canteens give them a place to eat without worrying about the cost. It's like a subsidized 'thali' system for the working class.

For Instance

Think of it like a community kitchen, but run by the government. Instead of paying ₹50-₹100 for a meal, you only pay ₹5. This makes a big difference for someone earning daily wages.

It matters because everyone deserves access to affordable food. When people don't have to worry about their next meal, they can focus on other things like work and education.

₹5 for a full meal: Atal Canteens are feeding Delhi's poor with dignity.

Visual Insights

Atal Canteen Scheme Key Statistics

Key statistics related to the Delhi Government's Atal Canteen scheme, as of February 2026.

Total Meals Served: 14,58,301
Number of Operational Canteens: 71
Subsidy per Meal: ₹25
Meal Cost to Beneficiary: ₹5

More Information

Background

The provision of subsidized food has been a long-standing practice in India, aimed at ensuring food security for the vulnerable sections of society. Historically, this has been achieved through the Public Distribution System (PDS), which provides essential commodities at subsidized rates. State governments have also launched various schemes to provide affordable meals to urban populations, often inspired by the success of initiatives like the Amma Canteens in Tamil Nadu. These initiatives are crucial in addressing urban poverty and food insecurity, especially among migrant workers and daily wage earners. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 provides a legal framework for ensuring food security, but state-level schemes like Atal Canteens complement this by focusing on providing cooked meals in urban areas. Such schemes also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on improving the efficiency and transparency of food subsidy programs. The use of Aadhaar-linked systems for beneficiary identification and direct benefit transfer (DBT) has helped in reducing leakages and ensuring that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries. Several states have also been experimenting with different models for operating subsidized food canteens, involving self-help groups and private players. The central government has been promoting the 'One Nation One Ration Card' scheme, which allows beneficiaries under the NFSA to access subsidized food grains from any fair price shop across the country. This scheme is particularly beneficial for migrant workers, who often face difficulties in accessing food subsidies in their destination states. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of food security and led to increased allocations for food subsidy programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Delhi's Atal Canteens that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the inauguration of additional canteens by the Lieutenant-Governor and Chief Minister, the total number of canteens, the launch date of the scheme, the cost of a meal, and the subsidy provided per meal. Also, remember the number of people served since the launch.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the numbers associated with the scheme, such as the cost of the meal (₹5), the subsidy (₹25), and the total number of beneficiaries.

2. What is the main objective of the Atal Canteen scheme, and why is it important in the context of social welfare?

The main objective is to provide subsidized meals to economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and other vulnerable populations. It is important for ensuring food security and addressing hunger among those who cannot afford regular-priced meals. This aligns with the broader goals of social welfare and inclusive development.

Exam Tip

Understand how such schemes contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

3. How does the Atal Canteen scheme differ from the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

While both aim to provide subsidized food, the Atal Canteen scheme focuses on providing cooked meals in urban areas, whereas the Public Distribution System (PDS) typically provides raw food grains and other essential commodities for households to prepare at home. The PDS is a nationwide program, while Atal Canteens are currently limited to Delhi.

Exam Tip

Consider the logistical differences between distributing cooked meals and raw grains.

4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Atal Canteen scheme?

Benefits include providing affordable meals, addressing urban hunger, and supporting vulnerable populations. Potential drawbacks could involve the financial burden on the government, logistical challenges in managing the canteens, and ensuring the quality and hygiene of the food served. There could also be concerns about the sustainability of the subsidy model.

Exam Tip

When discussing pros and cons, consider economic, social, and administrative aspects.

5. Why have Atal Canteens been in the news recently?

Atal Canteens have been in the news due to the inauguration of 25 new canteens, bringing the total to 71. The scheme's progress and the number of meals served (1.4 million) have also contributed to its recent visibility. Political statements related to the scheme's implementation have also kept it in the news.

Exam Tip

Follow news related to social welfare schemes to stay updated on government initiatives and their impact.

6. What are the government's plans for expanding the Atal Canteen scheme in Delhi?

The government plans to open 100 Atal Canteens in Delhi. These canteens aim to provide subsidized meals to economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and others in need.

Exam Tip

Note the target number of canteens to be opened (100).

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Atal Canteens initiative in Delhi: 1. The scheme aims to provide subsidized meals to economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and others. 2. The subsidy provided per meal is ₹5, with the meal offered at ₹25. 3. The canteens are operated by the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (DSCSC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Atal Canteens initiative aims to provide subsidized meals to economically weaker sections, migrant workers, and others, as stated in the news. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The subsidy provided per meal is ₹25, with the meal offered at ₹5, not the other way around. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The canteens are operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), not the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (DSCSC).

2. Which of the following is the most likely impact of schemes like Atal Canteens on urban poverty? A) Increase in rural-urban migration B) Reduction in food insecurity among urban poor C) Decrease in employment opportunities for women D) Increase in the cost of living in urban areas

A.Increase in rural-urban migration
B.Reduction in food insecurity among urban poor
C.Decrease in employment opportunities for women
D.Increase in the cost of living in urban areas

Show Answer

Answer: B

Schemes like Atal Canteens directly address food insecurity among the urban poor by providing subsidized meals. This helps to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to affordable and nutritious food, thereby reducing hunger and malnutrition. The other options are less likely to be direct impacts of such schemes.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013: 1. It provides a legal framework for ensuring food security in India. 2. It aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the population. 3. The Act mandates the provision of cooked meals in urban areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 provides a legal framework for ensuring food security in India. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the population. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Act focuses on providing subsidized food grains, not mandating the provision of cooked meals in urban areas. While some state governments have launched schemes to provide cooked meals, it is not a mandate of the NFSA.