# Tamil Nadu school meal biryani proposal under review > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tamil-nadu-school-meal-proposal > Updated: 2026-08-01T07:46:18.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3. On 29 July 2026, Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister A Rajmohan convened a two‑day consultative meeting with teacher and non‑teaching staff unions. Delegates presented a range of demands, including computer‑science classes from grade 1, regularisation of Samagra Shiksha teachers, salary hikes for library staff, transport facilities for all students, exemption of exam fees, and an expansion of the midday‑meal and Chief Minister’s Breakfast schemes to higher grades (classes 11‑12). A notable request was the introduction of chicken biryani once a week under the state’s flagship midday‑meal programme. Rajmohan placed the biryani proposal before Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department for consideration, alongside broader food‑quality improvements such as rice grading and scheme extensions that could benefit an additional eight lakh students. By 1 August 2026, Rajmohan reported that the chicken biryani suggestion was under serious consideration and had been formally forwarded to the Chief Minister for a final decision. He clarified that vegetarian meals would continue for students who prefer them and framed the biryani option as a source of additional protein. Rajmohan also urged that the proposal not be politicised, citing the state’s historic midday‑meal expansions that previously introduced eggs and other enhancements. No decision has been announced yet; the proposal remains pending further consultation and approval. ## Claims - The Tamil Nadu government is considering adding chicken biryani once a week to the midday‑meal scheme in government schools. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The proposal aims to boost nutrition and make school lunches more attractive to students. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Final decision will be made in consultation with the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The midday‑meal scheme currently serves nearly 40 lakh students in classes 1‑10 across government and aided schools. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme supports about 32 lakh children in classes 1‑8. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The government is evaluating extending both breakfast and midday‑meal schemes to classes 11‑12, potentially benefiting an additional 8 lakh students. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Authorities are reviewing improvements to overall food quality, including the grade of rice supplied to schools. (corroborated by 4 sources) - No final approval has been granted yet for adding chicken biryani to the midday‑meal programme. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Tamil Nadu government is considering a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week under its midday‑meal scheme. (corroborated by 3 sources) - School Education Minister A. Rajmohan has submitted the proposal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for review. (corroborated by 2 sources) - No final decision has been taken yet; the proposal remains under review by the chief minister. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-01: Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan pushes chicken biryani in school meals Tamil Nadu’s education minister A. Rajmohan says a proposal to serve chicken biryani weekly in government school midday meals is under review, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to make the final decision. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-minister-rajmohan-pushes-chicken-biryani-in-school-meals ### 2026-07-29: Tamil Nadu government weighs weekly chicken biryani for school midday meals Tamil Nadu is reviewing a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week in its school midday‑meal scheme, pending chief‑minister approval; the programme currently feeds ~40 lakh students and may expand to older 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-government-weighs-weekly-chicken-biryani-for-school-meals ### 2026-07-29: Tamil Nadu Education Minister A Rajmohan meets teachers' unions Tamil Nadu Education Minister A Rajmohan met teacher unions in Chennai, hearing demands from curriculum changes to extending noon meals and a proposal for weekly chicken biryani, which he said is under review. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-education-minister-a-rajmohan-meets-teachers-unions --- Cite as: Tamil Nadu school meal biryani proposal under review. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tamil-nadu-school-meal-proposal