Tamil Nadu CM Vijay launches breakfast scheme expansion for classes 6 to 8 students

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday launched the expansion of the breakfast scheme for school students here. Vijay launched the scheme at the government middle school in Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur and served students food and also ate with them. Later, he visited classrooms and interacted with students.

About 15.30 lakh additional students, in classes six to eight, studying in 15,454 government and state-aided schools will be benefited, officials said. The rollout of the expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast scheme, named to honour former Chief Minister K Kamaraj, covers students of classes VI to VIII, marking a significant milestone in the students' nutrition, ensuring they start the day healthy.

An additional fund of Rs 217.63 crore has been allocated in the current financial year to support the expansion, elevating the total budget for this programme to Rs 724 crore. The scheme was originally planned to be rolled out on September 17 and was deferred to accommodate Vijay's recent official investment visit to London.

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It will not be implemented in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts due to the enforcement of the Election Commission's model code of conduct for the October 6 bypolls at Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies respectively. The menu comprises of nutritious staples like Uppama, Kitchadi, and Pongal, integrating millet-based options twice a week. According to a release, this scheme will be implemented by the Greater Chennai Corporation through its integrated kitchens at 447 government and aided schools.

The Directorate of Municipal Administration will carry out the programme through integrated kitchens in 2,150 government and aided schools in other corporations, municipalities and adjoining township areas, and by the Tamil Nadu Women's Development Corporation in 12,857 government and aided schools in rural areas 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.