CHENNAI: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that the Punjab government will explore the feasibility of replicating Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme in the state.
Speaking at an event to launch the expansion of the scheme in urban areas, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of immense pride and personal satisfaction to be present at the occasion. Paying heartfelt tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late M. Karunanidhi, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was a towering leader who consistently raised voice for the rights of states. He added that CM M.K. Stalin is now carrying forward his father’s rich legacy with equal dedication.
The Chief Minister thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and especially MK Stalin for inviting him as the Chief Guest for the launch event. He said that this invitation is not just a personal honor but also a proud moment for all Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that under the scheme, breakfast is now being provided to students in all government-aided schools in urban areas of Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister said that the scheme was initially launched in September 2022 in rural primary schools, benefiting over 1.753 million students across 34, 987 schools. He said that Starting today, students in urban government-aided schools will also benefit adding that the Punjab Cabinet will now consider launching a similar initiative in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to know that the scheme has yielded remarkable results in Tamil Nadu, including improved student attendance, enhanced learning outcomes, reduced malnutrition, and lower disease rates among primary school students.
The Chief Minister emphasized that such welfare initiatives are the need of the hour, especially for underprivileged and marginalized communities. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has always prioritized education and healthcare—sectors now gaining prominence in the manifestos of various political parties. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Tamil Nadu’s leadership in social and educational reforms and said the breakfast scheme would be remembered as another historic step forward.