Tamil Nadu budget 2023-24: Morning breakfast scheme to be expended to all govt primary schools

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government will expand the morning breakfast scheme to all 30,122 government primary schools from next academic year, finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan announced in his budget speech for 2023-24.

Also See: Tamil Nadu Budget 2023 Live Updates

The minister allotted Rs 500 crore for the scheme in the budget.

The state government launched the free breakfast scheme last year in 1,543 government primary schools in the first phase covering 1.48lakh students.

"Out of 1,543 schools, 1,319 schools witnessed an increase in attendance. Of these, 624 schools had a 10% increase in attendance and attendance increased 20% in 462 schools and 30% in 193 schools," Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said.

All primary schools which implemented the breakfast scheme in four districts - Thiruppathur, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Tiruvarur districts - recorded an increase in attendance, he said.

"To implement the vision of the CM and to ensure all students studying without hunger, the free breakfast scheme will be expanded to all 30,122 government primary schools covering 18 lakh students from next academic year," he said in his speech.