Searching for details about the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme Tamil Nadu? Counted among the Latest Tamil Nadu Government Schemes, this flagship school nutrition programme provides free nutritious breakfast to students studying in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to improve children's nutrition, increase school attendance, and enhance learning by ensuring that students begin their day with a healthy meal.
Originally launched on 15 September 2022 as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, the programme has been officially renamed as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme in July 2026. The scheme is renamed to honour former TN Chief Minister Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj, who played a pioneering role in expanding education and introducing school meal initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
CM Breakfast Scheme currently benefits 19.34 lakh students studying in 37,447 government and government-aided schools. From 17 September 2026, it's scope will be expanded to include Classes 6 to 8, adding around 15.14 lakh more students and increasing the total number of beneficiaries to nearly 35 lakh.
Originally launched on 15 September 2022 as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, the programme has been officially renamed as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme in July 2026. The scheme is renamed to honour former TN Chief Minister Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj, who played a pioneering role in expanding education and introducing school meal initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
CM Breakfast Scheme currently benefits 19.34 lakh students studying in 37,447 government and government-aided schools. From 17 September 2026, it's scope will be expanded to include Classes 6 to 8, adding around 15.14 lakh more students and increasing the total number of beneficiaries to nearly 35 lakh.
Overview of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme 2026
| Particular | Details |
| Scheme Name | Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme |
| Earlier Name | Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme |
| Launch Date | 15 September 2022 |
| Renamed | July 2026 |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Department | Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department |
| Objective | Provide free nutritious breakfast to school students |
| Beneficiaries | Students studying in Government and Government-aided Schools |
| Existing Coverage | Classes 1 to 5 |
| Expanded Coverage | Classes 6 to 8 (from 17 September 2026) |
| Existing Beneficiaries | 19.34 lakh students |
| Additional Beneficiaries | 15.14 lakh students |
| Total Beneficiaries | Around 35 lakh students |
| Schools Covered | 37,447 |
| Estimated Annual Expenditure | ₹343.55 crore |
| Current Financial Year Allocation | ₹217.63 crore |
| Renaming & Expansion of Free Breakfast Scheme | Government Order on Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme Expansion |
| Official CM Breakfast Scheme Page | Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme Details |
What is TN Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme?
Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme in Tamil Nadu is popularly known with many other names some of which are listed here:- Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme,
- Free Breakfast Scheme,
- CM Breakfast Scheme, or
- Morning Breakfast Scheme,
It provides free nutritious breakfast to students studying in government and government-aided schools before the start of regular classes. The scheme would ensure that children begin their school day with a healthy meal, helping to reduce classroom hunger and improve concentration. By addressing nutritional needs at an early age, the programme also supports better attendance, and academic performance.
Breakfast is served on every working school day, and eligible students receive the meal free of cost through their respective schools.
One of his most notable initiatives was the introduction of the mid-day meal programme in 1956, which encouraged children to attend school by providing them with free meals. Renaming the breakfast scheme recognises his enduring contribution to education and child welfare in the state.
Check here - Government Order on Renaming of Tamil Nadu CM Breakfast Scheme
Note: The weekly menu may vary slightly depending on local availability of ingredients, district-level implementation, and instructions issued by the Government.
Why Is Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme Renamed?
In July 2026, the Tamil Nadu Government officially renamed the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to honour former Chief Minister Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj. He is widely regarded as one of the architects of modern education in Tamil Nadu. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he introduced several reforms that significantly increased school enrolment, particularly among children from economically weaker families.One of his most notable initiatives was the introduction of the mid-day meal programme in 1956, which encouraged children to attend school by providing them with free meals. Renaming the breakfast scheme recognises his enduring contribution to education and child welfare in the state.
Check here - Government Order on Renaming of Tamil Nadu CM Breakfast Scheme
History of the Tamil Nadu CM Breakfast Scheme
Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of implementing school nutrition programmes to improve children's health and encourage education. The evolution of the scheme is outlined below:- 1956: Former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj introduced the mid-day meal programme to encourage school enrolment, reduce classroom hunger, and support children from economically weaker families.
- 1982: Former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) expanded the initiative and introduced the Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme, extending nutritious meals to a larger number of school children.
- 1982-2022: Successive Tamil Nadu governments continued to strengthen the programme by improving meal quality, nutritional standards, and expanding its coverage to more schools.
- 15 September 2022: The Tamil Nadu Government launched the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, providing free nutritious breakfast to students studying in Classes 1 to 5 in government schools. The objective was to ensure that children start their school day with a healthy meal, improving attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes.
- July 2026: The Government officially renamed the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to honour Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj for his historic contribution to education and school meal initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
- 17 September 2026: The scheme would be expanded to cover students studying in Classes 6 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. Around 15.14 lakh additional students will be included, increasing the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 35 lakh across 37,447 schools.
Objectives of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
Tamil Nadu Free Breakfast Scheme has been introduced to:- Provide a nutritious breakfast to students before the start of school.
- Reduce classroom hunger and improve children's nutritional status.
- Increase school attendance and encourage enrolment.
- Help reduce school dropout rates, particularly among economically weaker families.
- Improve students' concentration, participation, and learning outcomes.
- Support the healthy physical and cognitive development of children.
- Reduce the financial burden on parents by providing free breakfast.
Key Features of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
Some of the key features of the Tamil Nadu Morning Breakfast Scheme include:- Free breakfast is served to eligible students on every working school day.
- Implemented in Government and Government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu.
- Initially launched for Classes 1-5 and expanded to Classes 6-8 from 17 September 2026.
- Follows a rotating weekly menu featuring nutritious traditional South Indian dishes.
- Includes millet-based breakfast at least two days every week to promote healthy eating habits.
- Benefits around 35 lakh students studying in approximately 37,447 schools across the state.
- Officially renamed as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme in 2026 to honour the educational legacy of Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj.
Eligibility Criteria for Tamil Nadu Morning Breakfast Scheme
Students must meet the following eligibility conditions to receive benefits under the scheme:- Must be studying in a Government School or Government-aided School in Tamil Nadu.
- Students of Classes 1 to 5 are covered under the original scheme.
- Students of Classes 6 to 8 are covered from 17 September 2026.
- Students should regularly attend school.
- No income limit has been prescribed for eligible students.
- No separate application or registration is required.
Benefits of Tamilnadu Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
The CM Free Breakfast Scheme offers the following benefits to eligible students and their families:- Provides access to a balanced and nutritious morning meal at no cost.
- Helps students stay active and attentive throughout the school day.
- Encourages healthier eating habits through a diverse and nutritious weekly menu.
- Helps parents save on daily breakfast expenses for their children.
- Supports equal access to nutritious food for students from economically weaker families.
Weekly Breakfast Menu Under Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
The Tamil Nadu Government follows a rotating weekly menu to provide students with a balanced and nutritious breakfast. The menu includes a variety of traditional South Indian dishes along with vegetables and locally available millets to ensure both taste and nutritional value.| Day | Menu Category | Breakfast Items |
| Monday | Upma | Rava Upma, Vermicelli Upma, Rice Upma, or Wheat Rava Upma served with Vegetable Sambar |
| Tuesday | Khichdi | Rava Vegetable Khichdi, Vermicelli Vegetable Khichdi, Sorghum (Jowar) Vegetable Khichdi, or Wheat Rava Vegetable Khichdi |
| Wednesday | Pongal | Rava Pongal or Rice Pongal served with Vegetable Sambar |
| Thursday | Upma | Different varieties of Upma such as Rava, Rice, Vermicelli, or Wheat Rava Upma served with Vegetable Sambar |
| Friday | Sweet Dish | Sweet Pongal, Rava Kesari, or Vermicelli Kesari |
Nutritional Standards under Tamil Nadu CM Breakfast Scheme
The breakfast served under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme is planned to meet the nutritional needs of growing children. The meals are prepared using quality ingredients and follow the nutritional standards prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Government.Nutritional Value Per Child
| Nutritional Component | Approximate Quantity |
| Raw Ingredients | 50 grams |
| Energy | 293.40 calories |
| Protein | 9.85 grams |
| Fat | 5.91 grams |
| Iron | 1.64 mg |
| Calcium | 20.41 mg |
Key Nutritional Features
- Around 50 grams of raw ingredients are used for preparing breakfast for each child.
- Locally available millet-based breakfast is encouraged for at least two days every week to promote healthy eating habits.
- The menu is designed to provide balanced nutrition while using locally available ingredients wherever possible.
- The meals support children's physical growth, cognitive development, and classroom performance.
Latest Expansion to Classes 6-8
The Tamil Nadu Government has approved a major expansion of the scheme to benefit more school children across the state.From 17 September 2026, students studying in Classes 6 to 8 in eligible Government and Government-aided schools are also covered under the programme.
The approved expenditure includes recurring costs for preparing and serving breakfast, as well as non-recurring expenses required for expanding the programme.
Highlights of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme Expansion
- Covers approximately 15.14 lakh additional students.
- Increases the total number of beneficiaries to around 35 lakh students.
- Covers eligible Government and Government-aided middle schools across Tamil Nadu.
- Continues the Government's commitment to improving child nutrition and educational outcomes.
Financial Allocation for Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
To support the expanded implementation of the scheme, the Tamil Nadu Government has approved additional financial assistance.| Particular | Amount |
| Estimated Annual Expenditure | ₹343.55 crore |
| Allocation for Current Financial Year | ₹217.63 crore |
| Estimated Cost Per Student Per Day | ₹12.71 |
| Working Days Considered | 210 days |
Schools Covered under Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
Tamil Nadu Free Breakfast Scheme is implemented in approximately 37,447 Government and Government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu. The scheme covers:- Government Primary Schools
- Government Middle Schools
- Government-aided Schools
- Corporation Schools
- Municipality Schools
- Town Panchayat Schools
How the Scheme Improves Children's Education
Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme plays an important role in supporting school education by ensuring that children receive a nutritious meal before classes begin. A healthy breakfast helps students stay attentive during lessons, participate actively in classroom activities, and maintain regular attendance. By reducing hunger during school hours, the scheme also creates a better learning environment for children.This naturally targets keywords related to education, students, and school breakfast without keyword stuffing.
How Students Receive the Breakfast
Parents are not required to submit any online application or registration form to avail the benefits of the scheme. Eligible students studying in Government and Government-aided schools are automatically covered through their respective schools. Breakfast is prepared and served on every working school day before the commencement of regular classes.Impact of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme
Since its launch, Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme has become one of Tamil Nadu's major school nutrition initiatives. By providing breakfast before classes begin, it supports healthier eating habits among children and encourages regular school attendance. The programme also strengthens the state's long-standing commitment to improving child nutrition and educational outcomes.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme Official Website
For the latest notifications, implementation guidelines, weekly menu details, and other official information about the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme (formerly the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme), visit the official website of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department.Official Scheme Page: Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme?The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme is a Tamil Nadu Government initiative that provides free nutritious breakfast to eligible students studying in Government and Government-aided schools.
Q2. Is the Chief Minister Breakfast Scheme and Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme the same?
Yes. The Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme has been officially renamed as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme on 22 July 2026.
Q3. Why is the scheme renamed after K. Kamaraj?
The scheme has been renamed to honour Perunthalaivar K. Kamaraj for his pioneering contribution to education and the introduction of school meal initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
Q4. Who is eligible for the Free Breakfast Scheme?
Students studying in eligible Government and Government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu are eligible under the classes covered by the scheme.
Q5. Which classes are covered under the Morning Breakfast Scheme?
The scheme initially covered Classes 1 to 5. From 17 September 2026, it has been expanded to include Classes 6 to 8.
Students studying in eligible Government and Government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu are eligible under the classes covered by the scheme.
Q5. Which classes are covered under the Morning Breakfast Scheme?
The scheme initially covered Classes 1 to 5. From 17 September 2026, it has been expanded to include Classes 6 to 8.
Q6. Is there any online application process?
No. Eligible students are automatically covered through their respective schools. No separate application or registration is required.
Q7. What breakfast is served under the scheme?
Students receive a rotating weekly menu that includes dishes such as Upma, Vegetable Khichdi, Pongal, millet-based preparations, Sweet Pongal, Rava Kesari, and Vermicelli Kesari.
Q8. Are millet-based dishes included in the menu?
Yes. The Government encourages the use of locally available millet-based breakfast for at least two days every week to improve nutritional value.
Q9. How many students benefit from the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme?
The scheme currently benefits 19.34 lakh students. After the expansion to Classes 6-8, around 35 lakh students are expected to receive free breakfast.
Q10. How many schools are covered?
The programme is implemented in approximately 37,447 Government and Government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu.
Q11. What is the objective of the CM Breakfast Scheme?
The main objective is to provide a nutritious breakfast before school, helping improve children's nutrition, attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes.
Q12. Where can I find official information about the scheme?
You can visit the official website of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department for the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme details: https://www.tnsocialwelfare.tn.gov.in/en/specilisationsnutritious-meal-programme/chief-ministers-breakfast-scheme
No. Eligible students are automatically covered through their respective schools. No separate application or registration is required.
Q7. What breakfast is served under the scheme?
Students receive a rotating weekly menu that includes dishes such as Upma, Vegetable Khichdi, Pongal, millet-based preparations, Sweet Pongal, Rava Kesari, and Vermicelli Kesari.
Q8. Are millet-based dishes included in the menu?
Yes. The Government encourages the use of locally available millet-based breakfast for at least two days every week to improve nutritional value.
Q9. How many students benefit from the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme?
The scheme currently benefits 19.34 lakh students. After the expansion to Classes 6-8, around 35 lakh students are expected to receive free breakfast.
Q10. How many schools are covered?
The programme is implemented in approximately 37,447 Government and Government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu.
Q11. What is the objective of the CM Breakfast Scheme?
The main objective is to provide a nutritious breakfast before school, helping improve children's nutrition, attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes.
Q12. Where can I find official information about the scheme?
You can visit the official website of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department for the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme details: https://www.tnsocialwelfare.tn.gov.in/en/specilisationsnutritious-meal-programme/chief-ministers-breakfast-scheme
Posts
0 Comments