Krishna Nagar gets boost as Atal canteen launched in Geeta Colony

New Delhi: An Atal Canteen was inaugurated in Geeta Colony under East Delhi’s Krishna Nagar Assembly constituency on Thursday in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood.

Addressing the gathering, Sood reiterated that the Delhi Government is firmly committed to translating the vision of Antyodaya — the upliftment of the last person in the queue — into concrete action.

The establishment of Atal Canteens, he noted, was a key manifesto promise, and the Chief Minister is ensuring its effective rollout across the national capital. Sood added he felt proud to oversee the expansion of the initiative in his role as Urban Development Minister.

Expanding reach of the scheme

Highlighting the scheme’s impact since its launch on December 25, the Minister informed that within 57 days, 14,58,301 people have availed nutritious meals at a subsidized rate of ₹5.

Over the past 56 days, 46 Atal Canteens have been operational, serving nearly 26,000 people daily on average. Each canteen has catered to more than 31,000 beneficiaries during this period. He added that 25 additional canteens will soon be launched, expanding the scheme’s coverage to over 50,000 needy individuals per day.

Sood emphasised that the initiative goes beyond food distribution and represents the government’s broader commitment to Antyodaya. He reiterated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the Delhi Government is functioning on the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” with the goal of delivering development to the last person in society.

The Minister also said that while Delhi had faced challenges such as disorder, corruption, pollution and stagnation in recent years, the present government has taken concrete steps within a year to fulfill its promises. He highlighted a 157 per cent increase in the Urban Development Department’s budget this year, which has accelerated repairs of thousands of flats in areas such as Sultanpuri and Jahangirpuri, alongside plans to provide permanent housing for slum dwellers.

He stressed that urban development is not confined to roads, drains and sewer systems, but must bring meaningful transformation to every section of society. Initiatives like the Atal Canteen, he said, not only provide material assistance but also reinforce the values of social equality and dignity.

Sood concluded by affirming that the Delhi Government will continue to advance on the path of development, transparency and public service.

Tags : Rekha Gupta, LG, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Atal Canteen, Antyodaya