Chennai: The breakfast programme was launched by the Tamil Nadu government today in 31,000 schools. It will assist more than 17 lakh pupils in grades 1 through 5 overall. The programme was launched this morning at a panchayat school in Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam district, by state chief minister M.K. Stalin. The programme was launched across all districts by state ministers, lawmakers, and assembly members. Over one lakh pupils in 1545 government primary schools received breakfast as part of the programme when it was first introduced, but it is now available to all state government schools.
The noon meal programme has been in place in Tamilnadu since 1956. The goal of the programme is to boost student enrollment in public schools. Attendance increased by 40% the year after the breakfast programme was implemented. There will be a free breakfast available every school day, and there are 13 different food choices on the menu.