Tamil Nadu renamed the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme on 22 July 2026. The scheme was first launched in September 2022 for students in Classes 1–5 in government primary schools.
Scheme profile
- Original scope: Launched Sept 2022; covered Classes 1–5 in government primary schools.
- Renaming: Government order issued 15 July 2026; renaming notified 22 July 2026 to honour K. Kamaraj (Perunthalaivar).
- Administrative nature: State welfare scheme implemented by the Tamil Nadu school education apparatus; central schemes for midday meals remain separate.
Expansion and implementation
- New coverage: Extends to Classes 6–8 in government and government-aided schools.
- Start date: Scheduled from 17 September 2026 (Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s birth anniversary).
- Additional beneficiaries: Expected addition of 15 lakh students; projected total to exceed 34 lakh.
Finance
- Estimated annual cost: ₹343.55 crore for the expanded scheme.
- Sanction for 2026–27: ₹217.63 crore allocated by the state.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- K. Kamaraj: Born 15 July 1903; served as Chief Minister of Madras State and is commonly referred to as Perunthalaivar.
- Periyar E.V. Ramasamy: Born 17 September 1879; date chosen for phased expansion implementation.