Archive · 13 Sep 2026
PMK Condemns Headmasters’ Alleged Costs for Tamil Nadu Breakfast Scheme
Tamil Nadu plans to expand its school breakfast program to students up to Class 8 on September 17.
The program first covered Classes 1 to 5 in government primary schools in September 2022.
It was later extended to government-aided schools in August 2023.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss says schools were told to prepare for the expansion without government money.
The preparations may include new signs, kitchen and storage repairs, water, lights, plates, and glasses.
These items could cost each school between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000.
Anbumani says it is unfair to make headmasters pay for them.
He warned that insufficient funding could harm integrity and discipline in schools.
He wants the government to withdraw the circular and pay for the preparations.
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss alleged that headmasters were told to fund preparations for the breakfast scheme expansion themselves.
The scheme is scheduled to expand from Classes 1–5 to students through Class 8 on September 17.
Schools reportedly must arrange nameboards, kitchen and storage improvements, drinking water, lighting, plates, and glasses.
The preparation costs are estimated at Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per school, depending on student strength.
Anbumani demanded that the District Educational Officers’ circular be withdrawn and that the government fund the setup costs.
- Who
- PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss criticized the Tamil Nadu School Education Department over alleged instructions to headmasters.
- What
- Headmasters were allegedly directed to bear initial preparation costs for expanding the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme.
- When
- The report was published on September 13, and the expansion was scheduled for September 17.
- Where
- The issue concerns government and government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu; the report was filed from Chennai.
- Why
- Schools reportedly need signs, kitchen and storage improvements, drinking water, lighting, and utensils for the expansion.
- Estimated cost
- Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per school, depending on student strength
- Original launch
- The scheme began for Classes 1 to 5 in government primary schools in September 2022
- Earlier expansion
- The scheme was extended to government-aided schools in August 2023
- Planned expansion
- Coverage was scheduled to extend through Class 8 on September 17
- Reported requirements
- Nameboards, steel frames, kitchen and storage improvements, drinking water, lighting, plates, and glasses
- Requested action
- Anbumani called for withdrawal of the District Educational Officers’ circular and direct government funding
- Government response
- The reports did not include a response from the government or School Education Department
