A Landmark Inauguration
The canteen at Nehru Nagar was officially inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This outlet is part of the first phase of 100 planned canteens across the national capital.
- The Tribute: The launch coincides with the 101st birth anniversary of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- The Atmosphere: The makeshift facility is adorned with photographs of Vajpayee, PM Narendra Modi, CM Rekha Gupta, and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood.
- NGO Partnership: Staff from a local NGO manage the kitchen and service to ensure quality and hygiene.
Day 1: High Demand and “Positive Response”
The canteen staff reported a staggering turnout within the first few hours of operation.
| Metric | Details |
| Price per Meal | ₹5 (Subsidized) |
| Lunch Menu | Dal, Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Chapati, and Pickle |
| Daily Capacity | Up to 1,000 meals (500 Lunch / 500 Dinner) |
| Opening Session | 300 people fed within the first 90 minutes |
| Timings | Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Dinner: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
The Process: To ensure transparency and reach the intended beneficiaries, the canteen collects ₹5 and takes a quick photograph of the recipient before issuing a food coupon.
Impact on the Ground: Voices from Nehru Nagar
For the migrant workers and vendors of South Delhi, the canteen is more than just an eatery—it is a significant financial relief.
“Earlier, a meal cost ₹30 to ₹40, and I had to skip eating sometimes. At five rupees, I will save at least ₹1,000 a month,” said Bhim, a daily wage labourer.
Rajender Kumar, a local vegetable vendor, echoed the sentiment, praising the hygiene: “The food is hot and clean. We don’t mind waiting in the long queue for quality food like this.”
Future Roadmap
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that this is only the beginning. While 45 canteens were opened this week, the remaining 55 outlets are expected to be operational within the next 15 to 20 days, covering nearly every major labor hub in Delhi.