Chennai, July 15 (BPNS)

Tamil Nadu government will roll out free breakfast scheme as a trial basis in government schools of 292 village panchayats of the state in 15 districts. The state government had announced free breakfast for all students from Classes 1 to V in government schools and this project is being undertaken on an experimental basis. After the successful implementation, the project will be extended to all government schools in the state, an official with the state education department told BPNS.

Preparations for the same have commenced and the project will be rolled out in the month of July itself. According to the official with the state school education department, the preparation of the breakfast will commence at 5.30 am and will end by 7.45 am. The breakfast will be served from 8.15 am to 8.45 am.

The project was conceived by the DMK government after the state public health department, in a study found a large number of malnourished children in the state, especially among students of parents who fall in the BPL categories.

Education rights activist and Director of the social organization, ‘ Salem Study Centre for Education Research, Dr. Mukundswamy, while speaking to BPNS said, “ The government had announced the project in May and it is a welcome move on the part of the state government. Our studies have revealed that several students walk long distances to reach schools in scorching sun without having breakfast . The government rolling out free breakfast scheme will increase the strength of students in schools and good and nutritious breakfast will improve the cognitive skills of the students.”

It may be noted that a recent study by the state school education department and public health department has revealed that a sizeable number of students are sent to school for availing of the mid-day meals provided in schools. The free breakfast scheme will be of help to many students and will help them develop their cognitive skills.