Tamil Nadu weighs weekly chicken biryani in schools' menu

The Tamil Nadu government is examining a proposal to introduce chicken biryani once a week under the state's noon-meal scheme, School Education Minister Rajmohan said on Wednesday.

Addressing reporters, the minister said he had submitted the proposal to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who is currently reviewing it.

"The Justice Party brought food, the Kamaraj rule made it a midday meal, Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) came and brought eggs into this, puratchithalaivar (M G Ramachandran) changed it to a nutritious meal, Amma (Jayalalithaa) came and brought eggs every week... many changes occurred. Similarly, I had a desire... I have put forward a request: why not serve chicken biryani once a week?" PTI quoted Rajmohan as saying.


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He said the proposal was backed by relevant data and had been formally submitted to the chief minister for consideration.

The minister also said the state government was planning to revamp the breakfast menu served in government schools.

Noting that around Rs 15 is currently allocated per student, Rajmohan said the government intends to replace repetitive items such as wheat and rava upma with more nutritious and appealing alternatives.

Rajmohan also criticised the Union government, accusing it of withholding education funds over policy and language-related differences.

Describing spending on government schools as an investment in the state's future, he said, "It is an investment in knowledge" that aims to produce future scientists and economists, adding that blocking funds jeopardises Tamil Nadu's future and is "entirely unacceptable."