By Admin 
The affordable and respectable food scheme has got a big expansion in the capital Delhi. With the opening of 24 new Atal canteens on Thursday, their total number has increased to 70 in Delhi. Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were present in the inauguration program held through digital medium from Nursery Basti of Krishna Nagar. After the program, both the leaders sat and had lunch with the common citizens and took stock of the arrangements of the scheme.
The Lieutenant Governor said that with the opening of new canteens, the facility of food at low prices will be further strengthened in different areas of the capital. According to him, this initiative is proving to be a big relief for the economically weaker sections.
Emphasis on respectable and nutritious food
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that this initiative has been prepared keeping in mind the hardworking people. It is the primary responsibility of the government to provide nutritious and balanced food for five rupees. He instructed the officials that the standards of quality, cleanliness and taste of food should be strictly followed. He also said that the scheme is being operated with complete transparency and its aim is to provide facilities to the needy with dignity.
These canteens are being operated by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board. Many public representatives and local citizens including Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood and Krishna Nagar MLA Dr. Anil Goyal were present in the program. The objective of the canteens is to provide clean and affordable food to daily wage laborers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, sanitation workers and people from low income groups.
Scheme started from Atal Jayanti, subsidy of Rs 25 on every plate
The Lieutenant Governor said that this scheme was started on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since then it is being taken forward in a phased manner. He said that the government is giving a subsidy of Rs 25 on each plate so that the needy people can get food for just Rs 5. Arrangements for regular monitoring and inspection have been made in the canteens, so that cleanliness and transparency are maintained.
Target of 100 canteens, focus on inclusive development
The Chief Minister clarified that the government’s aim is to establish 100 Atal canteens. He said that this scheme is not limited to just food distribution, but is a step towards providing a sense of security and respect to the weaker sections of the society. He expressed confidence that with the expansion, more people will benefit from it and efforts will continue to ensure that no person sleeps hungry in the capital.