A superlative Dravidian model project by CM Stalin; Varieties of Tiffin to government school students

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin recently introduced the extension of the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme throughout the entire state, encompassing 31,000 schools. This initiative is set to provide advantages to 17 lakh students enrolled in government schools, spanning from first to fifth grade.

The expansion of the Breakfast scheme throughout the Tamil Nadu primary schools is embraced by different sections such as teachers, parents etc. CM Stalin launched the scheme in Madurai coinciding with Annadurai's birthday last September 15. In the first phase, the scheme was introduced in 1545 schools and around 1.25 lakh students benefited from the scheme.

According to government data, Breakfast scheme served as the reason for an increase in attendance by 85%. Seeing the results and feedback from especially the parents, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to extend the scheme to all primary schools in Tamil Nadu.

Now after the extension, 31,000 schools and around 17 lakhs students will be benefitted. Owing to this decision, 3 persons from each school are undergoing training for serving the meal. During the training, teachers and parents tasted the food and all of them appreciated the quality of it.

The breakfast quantity given under the scheme for the government school students varies from 150 to 200 grams which constitute 293.40 calories; 9.85 grams of protein; 5.91 grams of fat; 1.64 grams of Iron and 20.41 grams of Calcium.

About the Breakfast scheme, Shalini, a student from Varadharajapuram Corporation School said, "My mother is working as a sanitary worker which makes it difficult for her to prepare breakfast, since she leaves early in the morning. My usual breakfast is the leftover rice which was cooked the previous day but now the situation has changed because of Breakfast scheme which gives us hot and tasty food."

Shalini's mother Deepa said, "Daily I have to get up at 4:00 am to go to work. Because of this requirement, I cannot make breakfast for my child when she leaves for school. CM Stalin has resolved our issue by providing breakfast to school students, now my daughter is having healthy food."

Malathi, a teacher in Adi Dravidar Welfare School in Karur, said, "Most of the students studying in our school have parents who work out of town for low wages. Some of them are engaged in agriculture; some work under the MGNREGA guaranteed 100 day work scheme and some have their full time occupation as grazing the cattle. Basically they live their life below the poverty line, so the students did not get breakfast consistently which resulted in malnutrition. Now, students are getting adequate food and nutrition, thanks to CM Stalin and his Breakfast scheme."

Tirunelveli Government Primary School teacher, Beulah said, "First of all, my heartfelt thanks to CM Stalin who made sure that all students get healthy food for breakfast. Majority of the students come from a difficult background and their parents work as wage labourers. CM Stalin rectified the situation of breakfast-less days for these poor students."

She continued, "After CM Stalin launched the Breakfast scheme, the attendance of the students increased and they are being punctual also. At home, most of the time, students have to eat the same variety of food but at school, they get to eat different varieties of food which helps to achieve a balanced diet. The increase in the nutrition level helps the students to be attentive in the class and to be happy."

According to Mercy Gracie, the Principal of Government Syed Murtaza Higher Secondary School in Trichy, 40 new students enrolled because of the Breakfast scheme. In one of the interviews, parents from Thiruvarur Pulivalam, Mayiladuthurai Attur, Coimbatore Annur said, "One of our biggest concerns and burdens have been resolved by CM Stalin and our children are going to schools enthusiastically because of the Breakfast scheme."

Breakfast scheme, the Dravidian model project by CM Stalin is running successfully even after 100 days!