Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday announced the expansion of the state’s flagship Breakfast Scheme, which will now benefit more than 20.59 lakh students in government and aided schools across the state.
The initiative, launched to address hunger and strengthen learning outcomes among young children, is being scaled up from August 26 to include primary schools in urban areas. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will attend the official launch event, underlining the national attention the scheme has drawn.
Expansion to Urban Schools
Initially covering government and aided rural schools, the Breakfast Scheme will now reach 3.5 lakh additional students in urban primary schools, raising the total coverage to 20.59 lakh children.
Launched on September 15, 2022, at Adhimoolam Corporation Primary School in Madurai, the scheme has seen two major expansions already—benefiting 18.5 lakh students in 30,992 schools in August 2023 and another 2.23 lakh students in 3,995 aided schools in July 2024.
A Legacy of Nutrition and Education
Stalin said the move was not merely about providing food, but about laying the foundation for growth and education.
“From the days of the Justice Party to the Dravidian Model government, Tamil Nadu has been providing food to children to address hunger and ensure education. This is not just food—it is a foundation for growth,” he said in a social media post.
He also recalled the state’s pioneering legacy:
- K Kamaraj introduced the noon meal programme.
- M G Ramachandran upgraded it into a nutritious meal scheme.
- M Karunanidhi enriched it further by adding eggs.
National Recognition
Calling the scheme a pioneering work for the country, Stalin said Tamil Nadu continues to set the benchmark in welfare-driven education models.
“The government’s pioneering work, setting an example to the country, will continue—and Tamil Nadu will grow forever,” he said.
The presence of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann at the launch event is seen as an endorsement of the scheme’s wider impact and replicable model.
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