The Tamil Nadu government has postponed the expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to include students in Classes 6 to 8. The launch, initially slated for September 17, has been rescheduled to September 22 due to the Chief Minister’s official visit to London. The expanded scheme will now be inaugurated by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay upon his return.
Scheme Expansion Details
The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, which currently provides breakfast to students in Classes 1 to 5, will now extend its coverage to students in Classes 6 to 8 in government and government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu. This expansion is a significant step towards ensuring nutritional security for a larger student population.
Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, K. Jagadeeswari, stated that the expansion is expected to benefit approximately 15.30 lakh students studying in 15,910 government and government-aided schools. The government has allocated ₹217.63 crore for this expansion for the financial year 2026-27. The scheme aims to combat malnutrition, improve cognitive development, and enhance school attendance among children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The expansion aligns with the state’s commitment to child welfare and educational equity.
Launch Postponed Due to Chief Minister’s Visit
The inauguration of the expanded scheme was originally planned to coincide with the birth anniversary of social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy on September 17. However, the launch has been deferred to September 22 because Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is currently on an official visit to London. He is scheduled to return on September 17 and will inaugurate the expanded scheme in Chennai on September 22.
Exclusions Due to Model Code of Conduct
The expanded scheme will be rolled out across all districts in Tamil Nadu, with the exception of Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts. This exclusion is due to the Model Code of Conduct being in force in these two districts owing to the upcoming by-elections for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly segments. District authorities have been instructed to complete all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted launch of the program on the revised date.
Background of the Scheme
The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, formerly known as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, was initially launched in September 2022 by the previous DMK government. It aimed to provide a nutritious breakfast to students in government schools to address hunger and improve concentration in the classroom. The scheme has undergone several phases of expansion since its inception. It was first implemented for students in Classes 1 to 5 and has since been extended to government-aided schools in rural and urban areas. The renaming of the scheme to honour former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, who played a significant role in expanding school education and student welfare measures, reflects the government’s acknowledgment of his legacy.
Operational Details and Menu
The existing menu and operational guidelines for the breakfast scheme will continue without changes. The menu typically includes items such as upma, kichadi, or pongal on weekdays, with rava kesari or semiya kesari served on Fridays. Locally available millets are also incorporated into the menu at least twice a week. The government currently spends over ₹12.71 per child for each breakfast served. The expansion to include Classes 6 to 8 is expected to further enhance the reach and impact of this welfare initiative.
A trial run of the expanded scheme was conducted on September 11, and district administrations have been instructed to address any identified gaps and complete preparations before the launch. The Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner will oversee the implementation in Chennai, while respective District Collectors will monitor it in other districts.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
