Controversy Surrounds Outsourcing of CM’s Breakfast Scheme in Chennai

The Greater Chennai Corporation has clarified that no consensus has been reached regarding the outsourcing of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, two days after the Council passed a resolution. The proposal estimated for preparing and serving breakfast on a contractual basis was approved on November 30, involving the daily provision of breakfast in 37 schools under high-level officials’ supervision.

The initiative aims to benefit 65,030 students across 358 schools, expanding the Chief Minister’s breakfast program. However, concerns have been raised, with PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss opposing the privatization of essential services, urging a withdrawal of the Corporation’s decision to involve contractors.

Mayor R. Priya highlighted the disparity, noting that the scheme is executed through contractors in other corporations but not in Chennai. The controversy underscores the debate over privatization in public services, especially in critical areas like education and food distribution.