Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has inaugurated an extended breakfast initiative aimed at primary school children, now reaching state-aided private schools in rural regions.
The launch took place at a school in Tiruvallur district, where Stalin actively engaged with students, sharing a meal and ensuring the food's quality by personally sampling it beforehand. The event coincided with former Chief Minister K Kamaraj's birth anniversary, which was observed statewide as Education Development Day.
This expansion is set to benefit 2,23,536 children attending 3,995 government-aided primary schools across Tamil Nadu. Addressing attendees, Stalin emphasized the program's importance, highlighting its potential to enhance student nutrition and academic performance. He stressed its impact on the daily lives of over 20.73 lakh children, aiming to improve school attendance rates and decrease dropout rates, as mentioned in a report by Edex Live.
Investing in our future through initiatives like the breakfast program is crucial, remarked Stalin, citing Tamil literary figures who emphasized the importance of providing sustenance and alleviating hunger. He noted that besides alleviating financial burdens on families, the program boosts students' confidence, fostering their overall well-being and academic achievements.
Feedback from beneficiaries, including parents and local communities, has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the program's broader benefits beyond poverty alleviation and supporting middle-class families with working parents. The expanded breakfast initiative marks a significant stride towards inclusive education and child welfare in Tamil Nadu, aligning with the government's commitment to comprehensive educational advancement.