Expansion of CM Breakfast Scheme in Tamil Nadu

Launch of the expansion

Expansion of CM Breakfast Scheme in Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the extension of the Breakfast Scheme in August 2025 for government-aided schools in urban areas. The launch event took place in Chennai. It will now benefit students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in aided schools located in towns and cities.

Reach of the programme

The expansion covers 2,430 government-aided primary schools in urban areas. Nearly 3.06 lakh students are expected to benefit directly. In total, the scheme now reaches 17.53 lakh children across 34,987 schools in Tamil Nadu. The State government aims to provide breakfast to 20 lakh students every year with an annual allocation of Rs 600 crore.

National impact

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann praised Tamil Nadu’s initiative and expressed interest in introducing a similar model in Punjab. He highlighted that Punjab, being food surplus, could replicate the scheme. This shows the wider national influence of Tamil Nadu’s welfare initiatives.

Phased implementation

The idea was first announced by CM Stalin in the Assembly on May 6, 2022. The first phase started in Madurai on September 15, 2022. Initially, it was limited to government schools and later extended step by step:

• March 2023 – Expanded to schools in corporation and municipality areas
• August 2023 – Expanded to all government primary schools across Tamil Nadu
• July 2024 – Extended to aided primary schools in rural areas
• August 2025 – Current phase covers aided schools in urban areas

This marks the 5th phase of the scheme.

Social impact

The programme led to a visible rise in attendance and better concentration among students. Studies reported a 63.2% decline in hospital admissions and a 70.6% fall in serious illnesses among children between December 2023 and December 2024. The State Planning Commission also noted positive changes in children’s health, willingness to attend school, eating habits, and classroom performance.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu was the first state in India to introduce a mid-day meal scheme under K Kamaraj in the 1960s, later expanded by MGR in 1982.

Food models and quality checks

To maintain quality, two models are in practice. Cloud kitchens in cities ensure automated and uniform cooking. In rural areas, self-help groups and parents cook the meals, fostering community involvement.

Static GK fact: In 1989, DMK leader Karunanidhi added eggs to the noon meal scheme, a major nutrition reform later expanded to five eggs per week by 2010.

Political tradition of welfare

Tamil Nadu has a long history of welfare politics. From Annadurai’s 1967 rice scheme to Jayalalithaa’s Amma products, welfare promises shaped elections. The noon meal scheme itself evolved through successive governments, with additions like eggs, bananas, and variety rice. The Breakfast Scheme is seen as a continuation of this welfare tradition.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Expansion of CM Breakfast Scheme in Tamil Nadu: