Chennai: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced the expansion of the free breakfast scheme for students up to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools. The expanded programme will be launched on social reformer E V R Periyar's birth anniversary on September 17, according to a government statement.
The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme was originally launched by former Chief Minister M K Stalin in 2022 for students in Classes I to V in government schools. It was later extended to students in government-aided schools up to Class V. The latest phase of expansion extends nutritional support to middle school students as well.
Currently, close to 20 lakh students receive breakfast daily under the existing scheme. An additional 15 lakh students are expected to benefit after the expansion, the statement said.
The government statement said Chief Minister Vijay instructed officials to make necessary arrangements for the launch on September 17. He emphasized the importance of ensuring timely delivery of welfare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
The announcement followed a review meeting chaired by Vijay at the Secretariat to assess the performance of the Social Welfare and Women's Rights Department and its schemes. During the meeting, officials presented updates on child welfare programmes, anganwadi services, nutrition initiatives, and various welfare schemes for women, children, transgender persons, and senior citizens. He also reviewed ongoing efforts related to child protection and rehabilitation.
Political parties welcomed the announcement. The DMK had stated in its election manifesto that the scheme would be expanded up to Class VII.
