Tamil Nadu will launch the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme for students of Classes 6 to 8 in government and government-aided schools on September 22. Chief Minister Vijay is set to inaugurate the rollout in Chennai, according to an official government release.
The inauguration was earlier planned for September 17 but was postponed due to the Chief Minister’s foreign travel. Ahead of the launch, Vijay chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat on September 18 to assess readiness and implementation arrangements.
With the expansion, around 15.30 lakh additional students in 15,454 government and aided schools are expected to benefit. The government has earmarked an additional Rs 217.63 crore for the current financial year, taking the overall allocation for the scheme to Rs 724 crore.
Implementation will be carried out through integrated kitchens and local arrangements: the Greater Chennai Corporation will manage 447 schools in Chennai, the Directorate of Municipal Administration will oversee 2,150 schools in other municipal areas and nearby town panchayats, and in rural areas 12,857 schools will serve breakfast prepared on campus by self-help group members through the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure kitchens and serving areas are kept clean and hygienic with continuous monitoring, and that every student receives hot, tasty, adequately portioned and nutritious food. The government said the expansion aims to strengthen the foundations of school education by supporting students’ health, nutrition, attendance and learning outcomes.
