Initiatives/ Scheme Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme – Tamil Nadu Context: The Chief Minister has announced the expansion of the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme to cover students up to the 8th standard. He has directed Social Welfare Department officials to take steps to launch this expanded scheme on September 17, the birth anniversary of Periyar. The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme was originally introduced in government primary schools for students in classes 1 through 5 during the previous administration. The scheme was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister on September 15, 2022, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Anna. Subsequently, the scheme was extended to government-aided primary schools; the Chief Minister inaugurated this expansion on August 25, 2023. Currently, 17.55 lakh students are benefiting from the scheme. About the Scheme Tamil Nadu became the first State in India to introduce a government-funded breakfast programme for schoolchildren. It is a social welfare initiative aimed at improving the nutrition and health of students in government schools. The scheme was formally launched by the Tamil Nadu Government on 15 September 2022, the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna, at Madurai. Objectives To provide nutritious breakfasts to children studying in primary schools. To ensure that students do not attend school on an empty stomach. To enhance children's health, concentration, self-confidence, and learning outcomes. To strengthen and complement the existing school nutrition programmes in the State. Beneficiaries and Implementation The scheme covers students of Classes I to V. Around 1.14 lakh students benefited from the first phase. The programme is implemented through local bodies and is intended to be expanded across the State. Food Menu Students are provided with cooked breakfasts weighing 150–500 grams, accompanied by sambar and vegetables. A separate menu has been prepared for each working day from Monday to Friday. Need for the Scheme Many…
