On September 22, 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the expanded version of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Free Breakfast Scheme at the Government Middle School in Gandhi Gramam, located in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. This initiative aims to enhance the nutritional intake of school children by providing free breakfast, a necessity for promoting better health and learning outcomes.
Previously, the scheme was limited to students in Classes 1 to 5. With the new expansion, it now covers students from Classes 6 to 8, effectively increasing its reach to an additional 15.30 lakh students across 15,454 schools. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that students receive adequate nutrition, which is crucial for their educational success and overall development.
- Expanded coverage to Classes 6-8 — now includes older students, addressing their nutritional needs.
- Beneficiary increase of 15.30 lakh — significant rise in the number of students receiving free breakfast.
- Government's commitment to education — aligns with broader initiatives to support student health and learning.
During the launch event, CM Vijay participated in a symbolic gesture by sharing breakfast with the students, showcasing the importance of nutrition in their daily lives. This act was not only a photo opportunity but also a demonstration of the government’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment for learning.
The expansion of the scheme aligns with the state government's ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes through various welfare initiatives. By ensuring that students start their day with a nutritious meal, the government hopes to enhance their concentration and performance in school. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to address food security and promote health among school-aged children in the state.
