Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme on September 22, 2026, extending its reach to students in Classes VI to VIII across government and government-aided schools in the state.
The expansion, which aims to benefit approximately 15.3 lakh students in 15,454 schools, was inaugurated at Chennai Middle School, Gandhi Gramam, Thiruvanmiyur. Chief Minister Vijay personally served sweet pongal to students and shared breakfast with them, underscoring the government’s commitment to child nutrition and education.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the scheme, previously known as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, was renamed the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme following the direction of Mr. Vijay to extend its coverage. The initiative was originally launched for students in Classes I to V in September 2022 and has undergone several phases of expansion to reach its current scope.
The expanded program will see breakfast prepared and served through centralized kitchens in 447 government and government-aided schools within the Greater Chennai Corporation. In 12,857 schools located in rural and adjoining town panchayat areas, members of self-help groups, facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, will be responsible for preparing and serving the meals at the respective schools. During a review meeting on September 18, 2026, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and hygienic kitchen facilities, mandating continuous monitoring.
An additional allocation of ₹217.63 crore has been earmarked for this financial year to support the expanded scheme. The initiative aims to combat malnutrition, improve school attendance, and enhance the educational outcomes for students across the state, building on the legacy of similar welfare programs implemented in Tamil Nadu’s history.
The scheme’s expansion was initially planned for September 17, 2026, but was deferred to September 22 due to the Chief Minister’s official overseas visit. The launch also excluded Chengalpattu and Tiruppur districts where the Model Code of Conduct was in force.
The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme is a flagship social welfare initiative of the Tamil Nadu government. The expansion to include Classes VI to VIII reflects a progressive enhancement of the scheme’s coverage, aligning with the state’s commitment to child welfare and educational equity. Tamil Nadu’s social welfare policies are often benchmarked against national schemes such as the Mid-Day Meal Programme under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
