Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday announced that the Telangana government will introduce the ‘Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme’ for government schoolchildren starting from the 2026–27 academic year. The scheme, aimed at improving student nutrition and classroom learning outcomes, draws direct inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s pioneering mid-meal initiatives.
Inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s model
Revanth Reddy made the announcement while attending an event in Tamil Nadu that highlighted the state’s achievements in education, nutrition, and welfare programmes. The programme was presided over by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, whose state has long been considered a role model for public welfare initiatives such as the midday meal scheme.
Praising Tamil Nadu’s decades-old track record in school meals, Reddy said:
“Tamil Nadu’s welfare model is worthy of replication across the country. Its initiatives on free breakfasts, scholarships for both boys and girls, and skill development programmes set a benchmark for inclusive growth.”
Focus on nutrition and education
The new breakfast scheme will cover all government schools in Telangana, aiming to ensure that children begin their school day with a nutritious meal. Officials stated that the initiative will not only address hunger but also improve attendance, concentration, and academic performance among school-going children.
The CM added that the move is part of a broader push to strengthen the education ecosystem in Telangana by combining nutrition with quality learning. Scholarships for meritorious students, enhanced support for girls’ education, and training programmes for skill development are also part of the roadmap.
Teachers, NGOs and achievers to be recognised
During his speech, Revanth Reddy emphasised that while schemes like free breakfast address immediate needs, the contributions of teachers and NGOs must also be recognised. He said these groups play a crucial role in nurturing talent, reducing dropout rates, and improving learning outcomes.
Congratulating Stalin on Tamil Nadu’s progressive governance, Reddy observed that such programmes also honour student achievers, thereby motivating more children to excel in both academics and sports.
Building on existing welfare measures
Telangana already has several schemes in place for students, including free uniforms, textbooks, and scholarships. However, the new breakfast programme will be a significant addition as it directly tackles issues of malnutrition and classroom engagement, officials said.
The initiative is expected to involve local self-help groups, school management committees, and nutrition experts in planning and execution. The government will finalise the budgetary allocation for 2026–27, with a clear focus on reaching rural and marginalised communities first.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, Telangana joins the list of states that are adopting innovative welfare measures inspired by Tamil Nadu’s celebrated model. As the state prepares for its rollout in 2026, officials hope the programme will boost both student health and academic performance, laying the foundation for a stronger education system.