Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Free Breakfast Scheme on September 22, 2026, at a government school in Gandhi Gramam, Chennai. He served breakfast to students and later sat with them and ate pongal. Key HighlightsThe scheme now covers Classes 6 to 8.Around 15.30 lakh additional students will benefit.The expansion covers 15,454 government and state-aided schools.The state has added ₹217.63 crore, taking the total allocation to ₹724 crore.What Is the Tamil Nadu Breakfast Scheme?The Tamil Nadu school breakfast scheme was first launched in 2022 to provide a free morning meal to school children. It was initially introduced for students in government primary schools and was later expanded to government-aided schools.The programme aims to make sure children start their school day with a nutritious breakfast. The government says the scheme is intended to improve children's nutrition, reduce hunger during school hours and help students concentrate on their studies."The scheme has now been expanded to middle-school students studying in Classes 6, 7 and 8. This expansion brings about 15.30 lakh more students into the programme across 15,454 government and state-aided schools. "Related Instagram Video :Vijay Joins Students for Pongal During BreakfastWhat Food Will Students Get?The breakfast menu includes traditional South Indian dishes. Reports on the expanded programme mention foods such as ven pongal, sweet pongal, sambar, upma and khichdi. The menu is designed to provide a regular morning meal before students begin classroom activities. Reports also state that millet-based foods are included in the broader menu rotation. The state has also discussed adding more food items to the programme through a committee.How Much Money Has the Government Allocated?For the expansion in the 2026–27 financial year, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated an additional ₹217.63 crore. This takes the reported total allocation for the breakfast programme to ₹724 crore.Why Was the Scheme Renamed?The programme was earlier known as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme. It has now been renamed the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, after former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.During the Vijay Breakfast Scheme Launch, Vijay served food to students, ate breakfast with them and visited classrooms to interact with children. The event marked the statewide expansion of free breakfast coverage to Classes 6 to 8.Also Read : Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Attacks DMK Over Sarkaria Commission and Veeranam Project
