In a light-hearted jab, Mann added that while “Prime Minister Modi does not even know how to make tea, he keeps spreading lies.”
Published Aug 26, 2025 | 11:50 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 26, 2025 | 11:50 AM
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin was joined by his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann in Chennai. Credit: x.com/mkstalin
Synopsis: Reflecting on its origins, Stalin recalled that the scheme was first launched in Madurai on 15 September, 2022 and has since expanded to municipal, rural, and hilly areas, now reaching urban aided schools.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin today inaugurated the expansion of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme to government-aided primary schools in urban areas. He was joined by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at St Joseph’s Primary School in Mylapore, Chennai.
The initiative will now extend to 2,430 aided schools in urban regions, benefiting 305,000 pupils in Classes 1 to 5. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Minister P Geetha Jeevan, and several senior officials also attended the event.
Sharing breakfast with the schoolchildren, the Chief Minister described the scheme as a “social investment” costing Rs 600 crore annually, rather than mere expenditure.
Quoting the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, Stalin said: “A nation free from hunger, disease, or conflict will be hailed as the finest.”
மனநிறைவான நாள் ❤️#CMBreakfastScheme @BhagwantMann pic.twitter.com/2mnhePqT2n
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 26, 2025
The Tamil Nadu CM noted that the programme has already enhanced students’ health, attendance, and academic performance while reducing hospital visits.
“This investment will yield manifold returns in the future. We must see cheerful, energetic faces in schools, not tired ones,” he said, adding that the scheme is under watchful eyes of policy bodies and closely overseen by him.
Reflecting on its origins, Stalin recalled that the scheme was first launched in Madurai on 15 September, 2022 and has since expanded to municipal, rural, and hilly areas, now reaching urban aided schools. He stressed that Tamil Nadu is setting an example for other states and nations to follow.
In his closing remarks, Stalin said, “Since becoming Chief Minister, my only goal has been to make Tamil Nadu the No.1 state in all spheres. The Dravidian model government will do everything possible for students – because the future of Tamil Nadu rests in their hands.”
Stalin also presented a replica of the Valluvar Kottam to his Punjab counterpart as a memento, while Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan gifted a model of the Srivilliputhur temple gopuram to him.
Addressing the gathering, Mann commended Tamil Nadu’s governance model and said, “A hungry child cannot learn. We too are considering implementing the breakfast scheme in Punjab. I will discuss this in my cabinet tomorrow.”
He highlighted that such initiatives have boosted attendance and reduced school dropout rates.
In a light-hearted jab, Mann added that while “Prime Minister Modi does not even know how to make tea, he keeps spreading lies.”
Mann extended an invitation to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to visit Punjab.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
