India, Dec. 28 -- The launch of the Atal Canteen scheme by the BJP-led Delhi government, which provides meals at Rs 5 to the urban poor, has sparked an intense political debate, with both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioning the scheme's intent, reach and execution.

Opposition leaders contend that subsidised food cannot serve as a substitute for stable jobs and assured incomes for urban workers and daily-wage labourers. They argue that the poor need dignified employment opportunities rather than long-term dependence on government-run canteens.

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav said the urban poor require guaranteed employment with a minimum daily wage of Rs 500, not "charity" in the form of low-cost meals. He ass...