Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday unveiled a programme to offer breakfast to students in state-run primary schools in classes 1 through 5.

In the corporation, municipality, and villages, 1,545 schools are participating in the program's initial phase of implementation. Today in Madurai, on the occasion of the birthday of the former chief minister Anna, the programme was launched.

Speaking on the occasion,  Stalin said, "1.16 lakh students would have breakfast in the initial phase. I assure you that the plan will be broadened much more. Nobody should believe that this is a gift; doing this is the responsibility of the government."

"No student from a low-income background should abandon their education due to a lack of food. No matter what kind of economic catastrophe this government is under, the plan should continue. I urge all government representatives to carry out this plan in the same manner as you feed your children "He said.

Stalin began the plan today by eating breakfast with the children at a Simmakkal Corporation Primary School. He also served food to students.

"Despite the financial strain, the first objective is to reduce the burden of hunger. In order to end poverty in the Tamil community and end children's hunger, I am willing to make any sacrifice " he said.

Stalin claimed that various states in the United States implement school meal programmes, alluding to similar initiatives in other nations (US Department of Agriculture). He said, the breakfast programme was first offered in Europe, particularly France, three years ago.

"Many studies have demonstrated that offering breakfast in schools improves students' academic performance and attendance. Post- COVID, demand for breakfast programmes has also increased," the chief minister said.

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