Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched free breakfast scheme for students of primary sections of government school in Madurai on Thursday. During the inauguration, the CM also had breakfast with the students and fed the children.
The Chief Minister also facilitated Kamalathal who has been serving Re 1 idli in Coimbatore. He presented her with the first edition of the book '100 Years Of Educational Revolution’ made by the public relations department.
Addressing the reporters, Stalin said, "Research suggests that breakfast scheme is essential, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It came as a shock that many students are not consuming breakfast. Hence, we have brought the scheme after due consultation with the authorities."
"Periyar, Anna and Karunanidhi said that poverty and caste should not be a hurdle for education. I am functioning on the same path laid by them. When Karunanidhi was in power in 1989, he introduced the 'true' saththunavu (nutritional mid-day meal) scheme. The government of Karunanidhi's son will also function with compassion,” he said.
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Through the scheme, the government aims to provide breakfast for 1.16 lakh students.
Stalin said, as the government gives breakfast and meal schemes, the student should study without any worries. Tamil Nadu government will try to continue to the scheme even when there are economic crises since the scheme should not be stopped.
He also urged the officials to implement the scheme the same way they give food to their children. The CM also said that no one should think of this scheme as a freebie since it is the duty of the government.
In a tweet, CM Stalin said, the free breakfast scheme is being inaugurated on the birthday of former TN CM Arignar Anna.
Just ahead of his speech, TN CM Stalin had breakfast with the students and even fed the children.
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The CM also flagged off a vehicle for the breakfast scheme.