The Tamil Nadu government is considering a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week under the state’s noon meal scheme for students in government and government-aided schools, in what could become one of the biggest upgrades to its flagship nutrition programme in decades.
School Education Minister A. Rajmohan said he has submitted the proposal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who is currently reviewing it. The idea aims to improve children’s nutrition, make school meals more appealing and strengthen attendance, while also complementing plans to revamp the state’s breakfast menu.
Officials have clarified that no final decision has been taken yet, and any implementation will require consultation with the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, which administers the noon meal scheme.
Teacher associations have broadly welcomed discussions around improving meal quality, while also urging the government to extend both breakfast and noon meal schemes to students up to Class 12.
A Push to Strengthen School Nutrition
Speaking to reporters, Rajmohan said every major political era in Tamil Nadu had strengthened the state’s pioneering school nutrition programme, and the proposed addition of chicken biryani would continue that legacy.
“Kamarajar introduced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Kalaignar Karunanidhi added eggs, MGR transformed it into the Nutritious Meal Programme, and Jayalalithaa expanded egg distribution throughout the week. Likewise, I have a wish to introduce chicken biryani once a week in government schools,” he said. He added that the proposal, supported by relevant data, has been placed before the Chief Minister for consideration.
The minister also announced plans to improve the state’s Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme by replacing repetitive items such as wheat and rava upma with more nutritious and appealing alternatives.
Currently, around ₹15 is allocated per student for breakfast. According to officials, Tamil Nadu’s noon meal scheme serves nearly 40 lakh students from Classes 1 to 10, while the breakfast programme reaches around 32 lakh students from Classes 1 to 8.
Teacher organisations have further proposed extending both schemes to Classes 11 and 12, a move that could benefit an additional eight lakh students.
Officials said improving meal quality and expanding coverage could help reduce dropouts, improve attendance and support better learning outcomes, particularly among children from economically weaker families.
Tamil Nadu Mulls Weekly Chicken Biryani in Schools
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 30, 2026
– Education Minister Rajmohan proposes adding biryani to the noon meal scheme
The move aims to improve the nutritional value of school meals for children: Varshini shares more details with @akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/a4NboIiYwY
Tamil Nadu’s Long Legacy of Welfare
Tamil Nadu has long been regarded as a pioneer in school nutrition, with its noon meal programme inspiring similar initiatives across India.
Successive governments have expanded the scheme by introducing eggs, improving nutritional standards and increasing meal frequency.
The latest proposal emerged during pre-Budget consultations with more than 80 teacher associations, which also demanded better quality rice, regularisation of noon meal workers, and faster resolution of long-pending issues affecting government schools.
While officials indicated that the proposal for weekly chicken biryani is being examined positively, they stressed that any decision would follow inter-departmental consultations before implementation.
The discussions also come as the state continues to position school nutrition as a key pillar of child welfare and educational equity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
School meal programmes are about far more than what is served on a plate. They represent an investment in children’s health, dignity, learning and equal opportunity.
If backed by sound nutritional planning, financial sustainability and inclusive implementation, innovations that improve the quality and appeal of school meals can contribute meaningfully to reducing classroom hunger and encouraging regular attendance.
At the same time, decisions on public nutrition must remain evidence-based and sensitive to diverse dietary preferences and local contexts.
As governments continue exploring ways to strengthen welfare programmes, the focus should remain on ensuring every child receives nutritious, safe and balanced meals that support both their education and well-being.
Do you think introducing more nutritious and locally preferred meals could make India’s school meal programmes more effective? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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