Erode Corporation conservancy workers to soon receive free breakfast, lunch under T.N. Government’s new scheme

Soon, 2,165 conservancy workers of the Erode Corporation will receive food in tiffin boxes packed in insulated thermal bags at their workplaces, as the scheme is expected to be launched shortly by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

At present, most conservancy workers work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., while a few are engaged in afternoon shifts. As they report to duty in the early hours, many are unable to consume food on time. Following their protest at the Ripon Building in Chennai, the State government approved six proposals aimed at their welfare, one of which was the provision of free breakfast. The scheme was initially rolled out in areas under the Greater Chennai Corporation and was proposed to be extended to all urban local bodies in a phased manner.

Under the proposal, the civic body will provide free breakfast to 2,051 workers and free lunch to 114 workers. A Salem-based catering company was selected through the e-tendering process to prepare and supply breakfast at a cost of ₹43.36 per meal, inclusive of transport and GST, while lunch will be provided at ₹54.91 per meal. The civic body has allotted ₹1.09 crore for the project, for which administrative sanction was obtained in November 2025. The funds will be utilised from the civic body’s general fund, and if a shortage arises, allocations will be made from the State Finance Commission.

As per the guidelines issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, food will be prepared in kitchens certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and packed in tiffin boxes.

A senior Corporation official told The Hindu that lounges will be established in all four zones, each with a capacity to accommodate 25 workers. These lounges will have basic amenities, including restrooms. Tiffin boxes will be distributed in the morning for breakfast and later for lunch. A trial run has already commenced in one of the four zones, the official added.

The Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the project across the State at a function to be held in Tambaram Corporation soon.