New Delhi, February , 2026: An Atal Canteen was inaugurated today in Geeta Colony under the Krishna Nagar Assembly constituency of East Delhi in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood. The inauguration marks a further expansion of the subsidized meal initiative designed to provide affordable and nutritious food to economically weaker sections.
Addressing the gathering, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood stated that the Delhi Government remains fully committed to translating the vision of Antyodaya into reality. He said the concept of Antyodaya, which focuses on uplifting the last person in the social and economic hierarchy, has long been central to the ideological foundation of his party and continues to guide governance priorities.
Sood noted that the commitment to establish Atal Canteens was included in the government’s pledge document and is now being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. He described the opportunity to expand the Atal Canteen network as a matter of pride and responsibility.
The minister emphasized that the government’s welfare initiatives are designed to benefit people from all communities, ensuring that public funds are directed toward improving quality of life and bringing meaningful change. He said that this approach aligns with the broader governance philosophy inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principle of ensuring welfare-driven development.
According to official data shared during the event, since the launch of the Atal Canteen scheme on December 25, a total of 14,58,301 people have availed nutritious meals at a subsidized rate of ₹5 within 57 days. The figures indicate significant public response and utilization of the facility.
Sood informed that over the past 56 days, 46 Atal Canteens have been operational across Delhi, serving an average of approximately 26,000 people daily. On average, each canteen has served more than 31,000 beneficiaries during this period. He further announced that 25 additional canteens are set to become operational soon, which is expected to increase the daily beneficiary count to over 50,000 individuals.
The minister clarified that the Atal Canteen initiative is not merely a food distribution programme but a reflection of the government’s commitment to Antyodaya and inclusive development. He reiterated that the Delhi Government is functioning under the guiding principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” with the objective of delivering development benefits to the last person in the queue.
Highlighting broader urban development efforts, Sood said that the government has taken concrete steps within a year to address challenges such as infrastructural gaps and service deficiencies. He mentioned that the Urban Development Department has received a 157 percent increase in budget allocation this year, enabling accelerated implementation of housing repair and redevelopment projects in areas including Sultanpuri and Jahangirpuri. Plans are also being advanced to provide permanent housing solutions to slum residents in various parts of the city.
The minister underscored that urban development extends beyond roads, drains, and sewer systems. He said it encompasses social upliftment, dignity, and equal opportunity for all sections of society. Schemes like the Atal Canteen, he added, aim to promote not only food security but also social equity and respect.
The Delhi Government, he affirmed, will continue to pursue development initiatives rooted in transparency, accountability, and public service, ensuring that welfare measures directly benefit those most in need.
