India, Dec. 26 -- Backed by a budget of Rs 104.24 crore, the Atal Canteen Scheme began with the inauguration of 45 canteens, with plans to scale up to 100 locations across the capital.

Under the programme, each meal will cost Rs 30, of which beneficiaries will pay Rs 5 while the Government will bear the remaining Rs 25. Officials said the scheme is designed to address hunger, ensure nutrition, and reduce the daily food burden for low-income families, daily wage workers, and migrants.

Once fully operational, the network of 100 Atal Canteens is expected to serve over one lakh people every day. Each canteen will prepare around 1,000 meals daily, making the initiative one of the largest subsidised food programmes in the city. The remaining ...