Tamil Nadu Minister for Housing and Urban Development B. Rajkumar on Tuesday launched the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to benefit students studying in Classes VI to VIII in government and government-aided schools across Cuddalore district.

The scheme was extended to 617 government and government-aided schools to cover an additional 54,831 students.

Mr. Rajkumar inaugurated the scheme at Varakalpattu Panchayat Higher Secondary School in Cuddalore. He said the nutritious and hygienic breakfast would help children attend school without hunger or fatigue. The scheme is expected to improve students’ health and nutrition, reduce anaemia, increase attendance and strengthen the foundation of school education.

Breakfast will be prepared and served at the respective schools through members of self-help groups engaged by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, he said.

Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar was present.

Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu inaugurated the breakfast scheme at A. Kumaramangalam in Kallakurichi district in the presence of District Collector J.E. Padmaja. The scheme has been extended to cover 39,852 students of 347 government and government-aided schools.

In Villupuram district, the scheme has been extended to cover 44,709 students from 504 schools, Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman said.