The Tamil Nadu government is weighing a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week to students in government schools under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. School Education Minister Rajmohan submitted the proposal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, aiming to build upon the state’s long-standing tradition of pioneering school nutrition programs.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s history of expanding welfare initiatives, Rajmohan noted how successive leaders shaped child nutrition in the state:
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- K. Kamaraj launched the original Mid-Day Meal Scheme in the 1950s.
- M. Karunanidhi added eggs to the menu.
- M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) upgraded it into the Nutritious Meal Programme.
- J. Jayalalithaa expanded egg distribution to cover the entire week.
While Chief Minister Vijay is actively considering the weekly chicken biryani proposal, official approval is still pending.
Alongside the biryani initiative, the state plans to revamp its existing breakfast menu—currently budgeted at approximately ₹15 per student. The government intends to replace repetitive options like wheat and rava upma with more appetizing, nutrient-rich alternatives. If approved, the addition of chicken biryani would mark one of the most significant upgrades to Tamil Nadu’s school meal menu in recent years, reinforcing efforts to improve student attendance and health.
