In many states of the country, cheap canteens are being run for the poor and laborers. Among these, Amma Unavagam (Amma Canteen) is quite famous in Tamil Nadu, where idli is available for one rupee and sambar rice is available for five rupees. Similarly, there is Maa Canteen in West Bengal, where pulses, rice, vegetables and eggs are available for five rupees. Similarly, Atal Canteen has also been started in Delhi, where a plate of pulses, rice, vegetables and roti is available for five rupees. Now the question arises whether food available at such a cheap rate is really healthy? Do you know what doctors say about this?

How is Atal Canteen in Delhi?

The Delhi government has started 100 Atal canteens on the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in December 2025. These canteens are in slum areas, construction sites and poor colonies. Here the price of each thali has been kept at only five rupees, whereas the actual cost ranges from Rs 25-30. The remaining subsidy is given by the government. Dal-rice, roti (up to 300 grams), vegetables (100 grams) and pickles are being provided in its menu. Each canteen provides food twice a day (morning and evening) and serves plates to about 1000 people. The cleanliness of food is checked through FSSAI and lab testing.

How is the food in Amma canteen?

These canteens, which have been running since 2013, are still very popular in Tamil Nadu. Among these, Idli is available for one rupee, Pongal for five rupees, Sambhar-Rice, Lemon Rice and Curry Leave Rice for five rupees. At the same time, curd rice is available for three rupees. This food is hygienic, which is prepared by self-help groups of women.

Maa, how best is the canteen?

Maa Canteen was started in West Bengal from 2021. Here rice, pulses and vegetables are available for five rupees. The government gives subsidy in this. This plate proves to be very helpful for the poor, laborers and financially distressed people.

What is the doctor’s opinion on such plates?

According to Dr. Ritika Khera, nutrition expert and food security researcher in Delhi, these canteens are very good. In these, fresh and hot food is available under government schemes, which is healthier than street carts. Their thalis contain carbohydrates (rice/roti), proteins (dal) and vegetables, which help in reducing malnutrition. These canteens are a good way of food security for the poor. It reduces malnutrition and hygiene problems. However, eating only this food for a long time can lead to anemia or vitamin deficiency.

How to check whether food is healthy or not?

The plate available in these canteens should contain pulses (protein), roti/rice (energy), vegetables (vitamins). The canteen should be FSSAI approved. Staff wear gloves and clean water is used. Food should be fresh, hot and tasty. There should not be much oil and spices in these.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee Birth Anniversary: “We have seen the sweet fragrance of those eyes, touch them with your hands and do not blame them for relationships…” This song perhaps touches upon the untold feelings that blossomed in the decades-long relationship between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajkumari Kaul. Vajpayee, who was remembered in the political world for his simplicity, dignity and brilliant poems, had a bond in his personal life which he never named, but also did not reject and carried with him throughout his life.

After all, who was that woman and what was her relationship with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and why did Vajpayee adopt her daughter into his home? Let us know about this in detail on the occasion of Atal ji’s birth anniversary.

Atal and princess meet

The friendship between former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajkumari Haksar (later Kaul) began in the mid-1940s at Victoria College (now Maharani Lakshmibai College), Gwalior. The friendship between the two gradually deepened in the early days, and it became a special bond in the conservative society of that time. Vajpayee had hidden a love letter in Rajkumari’s book, but unfortunately the reply never reached her.

steadfast relationship

With time their relationship deepened. The princess wanted to marry Atal ji, but her family did not consider the man who went to the branch daily as worthy of their daughter. That’s why both of them could not get married. Well… Rajkumari got married to Brij Narayan Kaul, but this marriage could not end her connection with Atal. Vajpayee used to visit Rajkumari’s house frequently and gradually their family and friendship became permanent. He also had deep affection for the princess’s two children, Namita and Niharika.

adopted family

In 1978, when Vajpayee was the Foreign Minister, Rajkumari Kaul, her husband and two daughters started living at his official residence. During this time, he formally adopted Namita Kaul and later Niharika was also considered to be formally adopted. This decision of adoption was not only family-oriented but also emotionally deep. Vajpayee gave these children the same love and protection that is expected from a father.

unspoken and deep bond

There were also political and social debates regarding the nature of the relationship between Rajkumari Kaul and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Some critics and analysts believed that this relationship was only a deep friendship and family closeness, while some also linked it to an affair, but neither of them ever defined it publicly. Rajkumari clearly said in the only interview that she did not need to clarify her relationship with Vajpayee to anyone, because family respect and intimacy were evident in their relationship.

political and social reaction

This relationship was a unique example of its kind in Indian politics – where the close relationship between a high-ranking leader and an educated woman was presented in different ways by the media and political critics. There were discussions about this from time to time even within organizations like RSS, but Vajpayee neither made it a public issue nor distanced himself from it from his political career.

Family strength and togetherness throughout life

Rajkumari Kaul and Atal Bihari Vajpayee kept their bond above name throughout their lives. At the time of Vajpayee’s death, his adopted daughter Namita played a prominent role in his funeral rites, indicating that the relationship was not merely formal or superficial.

His final years and legacy

Rajkumari Kaul died of a heart attack in 2014. With his passing, an era of that unique friendship also ended. Vajpayee died four years later, in 2018, and his life and political contributions were remembered with great respect by the country. Despite the unpublished layers of his personal life, his importance will always remain as an inspiration in Indian politics.

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