Tamil Nadu government increases hostel food allowance for school, college students

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has increased the monthly food allowance for school and college students staying in hostels run by the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, allocating an additional Rs 19.51 crore to implement the revision.

The decision aims to ensure that students receive quality and nutritious food amid rising prices of essential commodities, including fuel, pulses, edible oil, groceries, milk, meat, eggs and vegetables, a press release said on Wednesday. Under the revised rates, the TN monthly food allowance for school students has been increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,800, while that for college students has been raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.

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The state government currently operates 1,363 hostels near educational institutions to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The facilities provide free accommodation and three meals a day to help students pursue their education without financial constraints, the release added.