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Tamil Nadu expands free breakfast scheme to middle school students
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has launched the expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, extending free morning meals to students in Classes 6 to 8. Previously, the program only covered students in Classes 1 to 5.
The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 15.30 lakh additional students across 15,454 government and government-aided schools. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 34.64 lakh children across 44,984 schools. To support this rollout, the state government has allocated an additional Rs 217.63 crore, increasing the total program budget to Rs 724 crore.
The scheme, renamed in honor of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, aims to combat malnutrition, improve school attendance, and help students focus on learning without hunger. The rollout is active across most districts, though implementation has been deferred in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram constituencies due to the Model Code of Conduct for upcoming assembly by-elections.
In urban areas like Chennai, the program is being implemented through integrated kitchens, while in rural regions, meals are prepared at schools with the assistance of self-help groups. The weekly menu includes nutritious items such as upma, kichadi, and pongal, with millet-based options included twice a week.
Entities
C Joseph Vijay · C. Joseph Vijay · Chennai · Greater Chennai Corporation · K Kamaraj · K. Kamaraj · M. K. Stalin · Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme · Tamil Nadu · Tamil Nadu Women's Development Corporation · Vetri Payanam · Vettri Payanam
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A total of 34.64 lakh students across 44,984 schools will benefit from the program. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The scheme is being expanded to include students in classes 6, 7, and 8. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The state government allocated an additional 217.63 crore rupees for the expanded scheme. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The expansion will include students from classes VI to VIII. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A total of 34.64 lakh students will benefit from the program. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The state government has allocated an additional 217.63 crore rupees to implement the expanded scheme. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program will cover 44,984 government and government-aided schools. samacharnama.com · www.bhaskarhindi.com