TN Expands Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to Benefit 15.3 Lakh More Students

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme for students of Classes VI to VIII on September 22, benefiting around 15.30 lakh additional schoolchildren across the state.

The expanded programme will cover students in 15,454 government and aided schools, marking a significant extension of the state's flagship school nutrition initiative. The government has allocated an additional Rs 217.63 crore in the current financial year, taking the total budget for the scheme to Rs 724 crore.

The decision to launch the expanded scheme on September 22 was taken at a review meeting chaired by Vijay at the Secretariat. The Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the initiative at a government-aided school in Tiruvanmiyur in Chennai.

The expansion was originally scheduled for September 17 but was deferred to accommodate Vijay's official investment visit to London.

The scheme will not be implemented in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts for now due to the Model Code of Conduct in force for the October 6 Assembly bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies.

The breakfast menu includes staples such as Uppama, Kitchadi and Pongal, with millet-based dishes served twice a week. School Education Minister A Rajmohan said the government has constituted a special committee to explore more diverse and appealing menu options.

Rajmohan also said the government would explore introducing non-vegetarian food, including chicken biryani, as a long-term possibility. However, he clarified that such an option would first require a pilot project and rigorous testing to ensure food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards.

The scheme will be implemented through integrated kitchens operated by the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Tamil Nadu Women's Development Corporation.

Self-help group members will prepare and serve the meals at schools. The government said the expansion aims to strengthen school education by improving nutrition, health, attendance and learning outcomes among students.