Expanded breakfast scheme for schoolchildren gets under way in central districts

The Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, which provides nutritious breakfast to students of Classes 1 to 5 in government and government-aided schools, was extended to students of Classes 6 to 8 in the central region, with Ministers and Collectors inaugurating it in the districts on Tuesday.

In Tiruchi district, the extension covers 590 schools and 63,157 children. Of these, 36,804 children in 415 schools in village panchayats, 5,845 children in 33 schools in town panchayats, 5,567 children in 27 schools in municipalities and 14,941 children in 115 schools under the Corporation will benefit.

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) S. Ramesh inaugurated the scheme at Government Higher Secondary School at Tiruchendurai in Tiruchi. Rajya Sabha member M. Christopher Tilak and Collector Pratik Tyal were present.

In Pudukottai district, the scheme has been extended to cover 50,180 students in 557 schools. About 43,435 students in 518 rural schools and 4,727 students in 39 urban schools will benefit from the scheme in the district, said J. Mohamed Farvas, Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development, after inaugurating the scheme at Ranees’ Government Girls Higher Secondary School, in the presence of Collector M. Aruna.

In Thanjavur district, the scheme has been extended to cover 39,050 students in 465 schools in rural areas and 14,150 students in 79 schools in urban areas. Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth launched the scheme in the presence of Collector R. Revathi.

In Tiruvarur district, 36,639 students of Classes 1 to 5 in 846 schools are already benefiting from the scheme. With the extension, another 23,583 students in 369 schools will be covered, said Collector V. Mohanachandran. The scheme was launched at the Vilakkudi Government High School in Thiruthuraipoondi. Nagapattinam Lok Sabha member V. Selvaraj was present.

With the extension of the scheme, about 38,785 students in 220 schools will benefit under the scheme in Nagapattinam district, according to Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar.

In Ariyalur district, 18,161 students of Classes 6 to 8 in 241 schools will be covered under the extended scheme. A total of 26,176 students of Classes 1 to 5 are already benefiting, according to Collector N. Mirunalini.

A total of 21,273 students in 310 schools in Karur district will benefit from the extension of the scheme, Collector C. Muthukumaran said.

In Perambalur district, 13,208 students in 167 schools will be covered. This includes 11,910 students in 160 rural schools and 1,298 students in seven urban schools, according to Collector F. Abdul Razick.

In Mayiladuthurai district, about 20,790 students in 222 schools will benefit from the extension, Collector H. S. Srikanth said.