Students studying in Tamil Nadu government schools may soon be served chicken biryani as part of the state’s mid-day meal programme. The government is considering the proposal with the aim of providing students with more nutritious food and ensuring adequate protein intake.
State School Education Minister Raj Mohan described the proposal as a dream project of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
Pilot Project Before Statewide Implementation
However, the minister clarified that the scheme will not be implemented across the state immediately. The government is planning to first introduce it as a pilot project in selected areas.
The quality, hygiene and safety of the food will be closely monitored during the pilot phase. A decision on expanding the scheme across Tamil Nadu will be taken based on the results.
Minister Questions Why Students Should Not Get Chicken Biryani
Referring to the fact that chicken biryani is being served to inmates at Puzhal Prison, the minister questioned why school students, who are the citizens of tomorrow, should not also be provided with it.
He said the primary objective of the proposal is to provide growing children with the protein and nutrients they need for healthy development.
According to the minister, discussions on providing chicken biryani once a week as part of the mid-day meal programme have been underway since July 2026.
Non-Vegetarian Students May Get Chicken Biryani
Under the proposal, students who prefer vegetarian food will continue to receive the regular vegetarian meal.
Chicken biryani may be served only to students who consume non-vegetarian food. The government is examining various arrangements to ensure that the food can be prepared in large quantities and transported safely to schools.
Focus on Food Quality and Safety
Authorities are expected to assess several practical aspects before expanding the programme. These include large-scale cooking, maintaining food quality, hygiene standards and ensuring safe transportation and distribution at schools.
The pilot project is expected to provide important feedback on whether the proposed meal can be implemented effectively across the state.
Tamil Nadu Already Provides Breakfast and Mid-Day Meals
Tamil Nadu has already introduced a breakfast scheme for government school students in addition to the existing mid-day meal programme.
The government has been making changes to these welfare programmes with the broader objective of improving student attendance, health and nutritional standards.
The final decision on introducing chicken biryani in government schools will be taken after evaluating the results of the proposed pilot project.
