Tamil Nadu has expanded its school breakfast programme to cover Classes 6 to 8, bringing about 15.30 lakh additional students into the scheme across government and government-aided schools. The expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme was launched on September 22, 2026.
What has changed?
The breakfast programme, originally introduced in 2022 for younger schoolchildren, has now been extended to middle-school students in Classes VI, VII and VIII.
The expansion covers around 15,454 government and aided schools and has an additional allocation of ₹217.63 crore for 2026-27, taking the programme’s overall budget to approximately ₹724 crore.
What’s on the breakfast menu?
The expanded menu includes familiar South Indian breakfast dishes such as:
- Ven pongal with sambar
- Upma
- Wheat kichadi
- Sweet pongal
- Sundal and green-gram preparations
- Millet-based dishes, incorporated on certain days
The government says the menu is intended to provide variety rather than repeating the same dish every day.
The menu is also being reviewed with an emphasis on higher protein and improved nutritional value, while reducing an excessive dependence on carbohydrates. A committee involving culinary experts, educationists and doctors has been constituted to examine possible additions and modifications.
Is chicken biryani being added?
Not yet.
There has been considerable attention around the possibility of serving chicken biryani under the breakfast programme. School Education Minister A. Rajmohan said non-vegetarian options could be explored, but only after pilot projects, testing and strict hygiene safeguards.
Therefore, chicken biryani should currently be described as a proposal being explored, rather than an item already included in the regular menu.
Who will benefit?
The expansion is expected to benefit approximately 15.30 lakh additional students studying in Classes 6-8.
The programme is being implemented through different arrangements depending on the location, including integrated kitchens in urban areas and the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation in rural areas. Self-help-group members are involved in preparing and serving the meals.
Why is the government expanding the scheme?
The stated objectives include improving children’s nutrition, health, school attendance and learning by ensuring that students receive a morning meal before beginning their school day.
Are all districts covered immediately?
There is one temporary exception to the statewide rollout. The expanded scheme is not being implemented in Chengalpattu and Tiruppur at present, because the Model Code of Conduct is in force in connection with upcoming Assembly by-elections in those districts.
In short
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme |
| New classes covered | VI to VIII |
| Additional beneficiaries | About 15.30 lakh |
| Schools | 15,454 government & aided schools |
| Additional 2026-27 allocation | ₹217.63 crore |
| Total programme budget | About ₹724 crore |
| Menu | Pongal, upma, kichadi, sundal, millet dishes and other items |
| Chicken biryani | Under consideration; not part of the regular menu yet |
| Exceptions at rollout | Chengalpattu and Tiruppur |
The key point is that the expansion is already being rolled out, while the proposed menu changes—including possible non-vegetarian dishes—remain subject to further testing and government decisions.
