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Tamil Nadu Expands Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme to Classes VI–VIII
Tamil Nadu has expanded its free breakfast programme to include students in Classes VI, VII and VIII.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expansion at a school in Chennai.
About 15.30 lakh more students will receive breakfast.
The programme now covers 34.64 lakh children in government and government-aided schools.
The government has provided an additional ₹217.63 crore for the expansion.
The meals are meant to help children eat well, attend school and concentrate in class.
The menu includes foods such as upma, khichdi and pongal, along with a sweet dish on Friday.
Schools have been told to prepare the food safely and serve it on time.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded breakfast scheme for students in Classes VI to VIII in Chennai.
The expansion adds 15.30 lakh students across 15,454 government and government-aided schools, bringing total coverage to 34.64 lakh children in 44,984 schools.
The state allocated an additional ₹217.63 crore, taking the programme’s total budget to ₹724 crore, according to one report.
Implementation covers Tamil Nadu except the Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies, where election-related restrictions apply.
The weekly menu includes upma, khichdi, pongal and a Friday sweet dish; officials were told to maintain hygiene, quality and timely distribution.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded programme for students in Classes VI to VIII.
- What
- The Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme was expanded to provide free morning meals to middle-school students.
- Where
- The launch took place at a government middle school in Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai; implementation covers Tamil Nadu except the Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies.
- When
- The expansion was launched on a Tuesday; reports say it was postponed from September 17 to September 22.
- Why
- The programme aims to support children’s nutrition, improve attendance and help students concentrate and continue their education.
Key facts
- Additional beneficiaries
- 15.30 lakh students in Classes VI to VIII
- Additional schools
- 15,454 government and government-aided schools
- Total coverage
- 34.64 lakh students in 44,984 schools
- Additional allocation
- ₹217.63 crore
- Total programme budget
- ₹724 crore, according to one report
- Launch venue
- Government Middle School, Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
- Implementation exceptions
- Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district and Dharapuram in Tiruppur district, due to election-related restrictions
- Menu
- Upma on Mondays and Thursdays, khichdi on Tuesdays, pongal on Wednesdays and a sweet dish on Fridays; one report also describes millet-based options twice weekly
Quotes
Tamil Nadu government release
Official release explaining the scheme’s implementation and objectives
“The breakfast will be prepared and served by the members of the self-help groups in the respective schools. This scheme is being expanded to further strengthen the foundation of school education by integrating the aspects of health, nutrition, school attendance and learning of students.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Tamil Nadu Expands Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme To Classes 6-8, Benefiting 15.30 Lakh Students Across 15,454 Government And Aided Schools
CM Vijay to launch expanded Kamaraj breakfast scheme for classes VI-VIII
CM Vijay Launches Expansion of Breakfast Scheme for School Children
TN CM Vijay launches expanded breakfast scheme for Classes VI to VIII
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