Chennai, Aug 26 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the expansion of the "Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme" to urban areas here on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the flagship initiatives of the DMK government. Stalin, along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, served breakfast to children at St Joseph’s Primary School, marking the launch of the scheme's expanded phase. Mann attended as the chief guest. This marks the 5th phase of the implementation, benefiting an additional 3.06 lakh children across 2,429 schools. With this expansion, a total of 20.59 lakh students in Tamil Nadu will benefit from the CM's Breakfast Scheme. Government spokesperson P Amudha stated that the food will be prepared in a centralized kitchen with strict hygiene standards. "Prepared dishes, such as Pongal, kichdi, or Upma, along with side dishes like dhal and sambar, will be delivered to schools by vans," explained Amudha, the additional chief secretary. Initially announced by the Chief Minister on May 6, 2022, the scheme aims to provide free breakfast to students from Class I to V. The first phase was launched on September 15 in Madurai. Stalin had earlier remarked, "From the Justice Party era to the Dravidian Model government, we ensure children receive food and education. This initiative serves as a foundation for their growth, not just a meal."
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