India, Aug. 20 -- Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday inaugurated the first Atal Canteen in Janakpuri, saying the initiative is aimed at ensuring that affordable and nutritious meals are available to economically weaker sections for just Rs 5. Located in JJ Colony opposite Mother Dairy on Old Pankha Road, the canteen is the latest addition to the Delhi government's expanding network of subsidised community kitchens under its Antyodaya initiative. Speaking at the inauguration, Sood said the government's objective was to ensure that no one in the capital goes hungry because of financial hardship. "With this new initiative of the Delhi Government aimed at public service and welfare, no poor person in Delhi will have to go to bed hungry," he said. The minister said the meals served at Atal Canteens are balanced, hygienic and nutritious, while also benefiting daily wage workers and others who are unable to cook fresh meals during the day. Sood noted that the government had opened 25 new Atal Canteens across Delhi on Sunday and plans to further expand the network in the coming months. He said the initiative complements the government's efforts to improve living conditions in JJ colonies and other economically weaker settlements by combining food security with ongoing housing initiatives for vulnerable families.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.