TN CM Vijay launches expansion of breakfast scheme to Classes 6-8

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday launched the expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to students of Classes VI to VIII, extending the programme to 15.30 lakh additional children across the state.

Vijay launched the expanded scheme at a government middle school in Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur, where he served breakfast to students and later joined them for the meal. He also visited classrooms and interacted with the students.

The expansion will benefit students in 15,454 government and state-aided schools, officials said.

Named after former Chief Minister K Kamaraj, the expanded scheme is aimed at strengthening students' nutrition and ensuring they begin the school day with a healthy meal.

An additional Rs 217.63 crore has been allocated in the current financial year for the expansion, taking the total budget for the programme to Rs 724 crore.

The expansion was originally scheduled to be launched on September 17 but was deferred to accommodate Vijay's official visit to London. It was rolled out on September 22 across the state, except in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force for the October 6 Assembly bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram respectively.

The menu includes nutritious staples such as uppama, kitchadi and pongal, with millet-based options being served twice a week.

According to the state government's release, the Greater Chennai Corporation will implement the programme through integrated kitchens at 447 government and aided schools.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration will implement it through integrated kitchens at 2,150 government and aided schools in other corporations, municipalities and adjoining township areas.

The Tamil Nadu Women's Development Corporation will oversee implementation in 12,857 government and aided schools in rural and township areas and adjoining rural areas.

"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," the release said.