Tamil Nadu expands breakfast scheme to 15.3 lakh middle school students

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Chennai Middle School in Thiruvanmiyur on September 22, 2026, to launch an expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme. The initiative now provides morning meals to an additional 15.3 lakh students in Classes VI to VIII across 15,454 government and government-aided schools. During the event, Mr. Vijay spent time with students and served them traditional dishes, including sweet pongal and sambar. The scheme is designed to improve the nutritional intake of middle school students, supporting both their physical well-being and their performance in the classroom.

The program originally served students in Classes I to V and was first launched in September 2022 during the previous DMK administration. After the TVK-led government took office, Chief Minister Vijay directed that the service be broadened to include older students. The initiative was also renamed to honor the legacy of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, a leader widely recognized for his historical contributions to education in Tamil Nadu.

To manage the expansion, the government is utilizing centralized kitchens established in 447 government and government-aided schools within the Greater Chennai Corporation. Another 2,150 schools in various municipal and town panchayat areas will also be served by this infrastructure. In rural districts, breakfast is prepared and served by self-help groups associated with the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, a move that incorporates local community involvement into the daily operations.

The program is supported by a total budget of ₹724 crore, a figure that includes ₹217.63 crore allocated specifically for this latest expansion. These funds cover the preparation and distribution of nutritious meals, with the broader goal of fostering better health and academic outcomes. By offering a free morning meal, the government intends to reduce student absenteeism and help children concentrate more effectively on their studies.

Looking ahead, the Tamil Nadu government plans to monitor the implementation of the breakfast scheme closely, evaluating its impact on student health and school attendance. The initiative reflects a commitment to providing nutritional support to students across the state. As the program continues to grow, its methods may serve as a reference for similar efforts in other regions looking to integrate child health with educational policy.