Tamil Nadu Budget 2023: Breakfast scheme to be expanded to all primary schools, 29% increase in girls joining colleges

Noting that the scheme was introduced based on reports that some children studying in government schools are suffering from stunted growth and malnutrition and that they may be unable to concentrate on studies as they come hungry to schools without eating breakfast, the budget speech said the government was expanding the programme as to ensure that no child remains hungry while learning and to make learning joyful and education universal.

The budget speech has also taken note of a significant increase in the enrollment of female students in colleges. “Compared to the year 2021-22, 29 per cent more girls have entered colleges this year, which is an addition of 20,477 girl students,” said Thiagarajan, adding that increased enrollment of female students in colleges is a testimony to the success of Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Pudhumai Penn Scheme.

Under the ‘Pudhumai Penn Scheme’ as it is popularly called, all girls studying in classes 6 to 12 in government schools are provided Rs 1,000 per month for their higher education. At present, 2.20 lakh girl students benefit from this scheme.

The budget speech also spoke about various measures for capacity building and livelihood development of women self-help groups. “In the current year, women self-help groups (SHGs) have received bank loans of around Rs 24,712 crore. In the coming financial year, a target of Rs 30,000 crore has been set for credit linkage to SHGs. Women entrepreneurs struggle to access adequate, timely credit and marketing products. The government will establish an exclusive “Start-up Mission‟ for women to address these challenges. This mission will facilitate women entrepreneurs in all aspects of their business,” said Thiagarajan in his budget speech.