Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Expands Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme to Classes VI–VIII
Tamil Nadu has expanded its free breakfast programme to 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 children will now receive breakfast.
The programme will cover about 34.64 lakh students in Classes I to VIII.
The government added ₹217.63 crore to pay for the expansion.
The meals are meant to help children avoid studying while hungry.
Officials also hope the programme will improve attendance and concentration in class.
The weekly menu includes upma, khichdi, pongal and a sweet dish on Friday.
Schools have been told to prepare and serve the food hygienically and on time.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme in Chennai.
The expansion adds about 15.30 lakh students from Classes VI to VIII across 15,454 government and government-aided schools.
Overall coverage rises to 34.64 lakh students in 44,984 government and government-aided schools.
The state allocated an additional ₹217.63 crore, bringing the reported total programme budget to ₹724 crore.
The scheme aims to improve nutrition, attendance and classroom concentration, with implementation initially excluding areas around the Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-elections.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded scheme for students in Classes VI to VIII.
- What
- The Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme was expanded to provide free morning meals to middle-school students.
- When
- The expansion was launched on Tuesday; reports said the launch had been postponed from September 17 to September 22.
- Where
- The launch took place at a government middle school in Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai; rollout excludes areas around the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies.
- Why
- The scheme is intended to support children’s nutrition, reduce hunger at school, improve attendance and help students concentrate and continue their education.
- Additional beneficiaries
- About 15.30 lakh students in Classes VI to VIII
- Additional schools
- 15,454 government and government-aided schools
- Total coverage
- About 34.64 lakh students in 44,984 government and government-aided schools
- Additional allocation
- ₹217.63 crore in the current financial year
- Total programme budget
- ₹724 crore, according to reports
- Weekly menu
- Upma on Mondays and Thursdays, khichdi on Tuesdays, pongal on Wednesdays and a sweet dish on Fridays
- Implementation arrangements
- The Greater Chennai Corporation, municipal authorities and the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation will use integrated kitchens and self-help groups
Sources
Vijay breaks bread with school kids as Tamil Nadu expands free breakfast scheme
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
