Delhi CM’s Atal Canteen initiative highlights the need for subsidized meals

Delhi has become the latest BJP-ruled state to introduce subsidized meal services for its people. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Delhi government has allocated ₹100 crore in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to establish 100 Atal Canteens across the capital.

This initiative takes inspiration from other states where subsidized food canteens have already been successfully implemented, ensuring affordable meals for economically weaker sections of society.

AAP government had also started aam aadmi canteen for this purpose and had offered meals to the people in Delhi.

Why are these schemes needed?

Several states have launched canteens providing nutritious meals at highly subsidized rates, ensuring that even the most vulnerable sections of society have access to affordable food. These canteens serve as a lifeline for daily wage earners, laborers, students, and low-income families who rely on them for sustenance.

The growing popularity and demand for such initiatives highlight a harsh reality—despite economic progress, a significant portion of the population still struggles with food insecurity. For many, these canteens are not just an option but a necessity, bridging the gap between hunger and affordability. Their success underscores the urgent need for expanding such programs to ensure that no one is forced to go to bed hungry due to financial constraints.

Amma Canteen – Tamil Nadu

The concept of government-subsidized canteens gained widespread popularity with the launch of Amma Canteens by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2013. These budget-friendly canteens became so popular that the government expanded them from an initial 15 to 200 within just three months.

Indira Canteen – Karnataka

In 2017, Karnataka introduced Indira Canteens to offer subsidized food to economically disadvantaged sections of society. These canteens provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner at minimal costs, ensuring that the underprivileged had access to daily nutritious meals.

Annapurna Rasoi Scheme – Rajasthan

The Annapurna Rasoi Scheme was launched in 2017 by the BJP-led government under Vasundhara Raje. The initiative aimed to provide meals at an affordable price of ₹8 through mobile food vans. Later, during the Congress government’s tenure, the scheme was renamed Indira Rasoi and expanded, playing a crucial role in providing food relief during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, the BJP government has reverted to the original Annapurna Rasoi name.

Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Yojana – Madhya Pradesh

Also launched in 2017, this scheme was introduced by then-Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to provide meals at ₹10 per plate. In 2023, he announced that under the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana, food would be available at an even lower rate of ₹5 per plate.

Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteens – Haryana

In Haryana, the government launched Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteens to offer affordable meals to farmers and laborers working in agricultural markets (mandis). For just ₹10, they receive a wholesome meal consisting of chapatis, rice, dal, and seasonal vegetables, ensuring access to hot and nutritious food while they work in the fields and markets.

With Delhi now joining the movement by introducing Atal Canteens, the trend of subsidized meal schemes continues to gain momentum across India. These initiatives serve as crucial safety nets, ensuring that the most vulnerable sections of society have access to nutritious and affordable meals. As food security remains a pressing issue, expanding such programs can help alleviate hunger and provide dignity to those in need.