Full Breakdown
Tamil Nadu Expands Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to Middle-School Students
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Expansion Launched on September 22, 2026
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the extension of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme at the Government Middle School in Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. The rollout adds Classes VI-VIII to the programme, which previously served only Classes I-V in government and government-aided schools.
Background & Context
The breakfast initiative was first introduced on September 15, 2022 by then Chief Minister M. K. Stalin as the “Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme,” aiming to improve student nutrition, attendance, and concentration. In 2024 the scheme was renamed in honour of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, a noted advocate of universal school education. The current government has continued the policy and now seeks to broaden its reach to middle-school pupils.
Scope and Funding (Data & Statistics)
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 15.30 lakh additional students in Classes VI-VIII.
- Schools Covered: 15,454 government and government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu.
- Financial Allocation: An extra INR217.63 crore for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, raising the total programme budget to INR724 crore.
- Kitchen Infrastructure:
- 447 schools in the Greater Chennai Corporation will receive meals from centralized kitchens.
- 2,150 schools in other municipal corporations, municipalities, and adjoining town-panchayat areas will be served by kitchens operated by the Directorate of Municipal Administration.
- 12,857 rural and township schools will rely on self-help groups under the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women to prepare and serve breakfast.
Implementation Details
The expansion was originally slated for September 17, 2026 but was postponed to September 22, 2026. A review meeting was scheduled for September 18, 2026 to finalize preparations. The rollout excludes Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts because the Election Commission’s model code of conduct is in force ahead of the October 6 by-polls. The state’s Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department has directed district administrations to ensure kitchen cleanliness and continuous monitoring of food quality.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chief Minister Vijay instructed that all kitchens maintain hygiene standards and that students receive “hot, tasty, and nutritious” meals. He also pledged to act on a petition from a person with disabilities seeking financial assistance and employment for an educated daughter.
- School Education Minister Rajmohan announced the formation of a special committee to explore “diverse and tasty” menu options, including possible non-vegetarian items, subject to pilot testing and strict hygiene protocols.
- Department officials emphasized that the scheme’s objectives are to address classroom hunger, boost school attendance, and enhance students’ ability to focus on lessons.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With all due respect, even a prisoner in a jail gets to eat chicken biryani. Why shouldn't the children in my schools be able to eat chicken biryani,” — Minister Rajmohan
What’s Next
Implementation will proceed across the eligible schools from September 22, 2026 onward, with monitoring mechanisms in place to assess food quality and nutritional impact. The special committee on menu innovation is expected to submit its recommendations later in the year, pending pilot outcomes and compliance with hygiene standards.