Launches Scheme’s Expansion in Urban Areas at a Function in Chennai
Highlights Key Pro-People Initiatives by Punjab Government
Praises MK Stalin’s Historic Welfare Measures
Slams master of phraseology for Misleading the countrymen
Chennai, August 26 –
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced that the Punjab government will explore the feasibility of replicating Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme in the state.
Speaking at an event to launch the expansion of the scheme in urban areas, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of immense pride and personal satisfaction to be present at the occasion. Paying heartfelt tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late M. Karunanidhi, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was a towering leader who consistently raised voice for the rights of states. He added that CM M.K. Stalin is now carrying forward his father’s rich legacy with equal dedication.
The Chief Minister thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and especially MK Stalin for inviting him as the Chief Guest for the launch event. He said that this invitation is not just a personal honor but also a proud moment for all Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that under the scheme, breakfast is now being provided to students in all government-aided schools in urban areas of Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister said that the scheme was initially launched in September 2022 in rural primary schools, benefiting over 1.753 million students across 34,987 schools. He said that Starting today, students in urban government-aided schools will also benefit adding that the Punjab Cabinet will now consider launching a similar initiative in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to know that the scheme has yielded remarkable results in Tamil Nadu, including improved student attendance, enhanced learning outcomes, reduced malnutrition, and lower disease rates among primary school students.
The Chief Minister emphasized that such welfare initiatives are the need of the hour, especially for underprivileged and marginalized communities. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has always prioritized education and healthcare—sectors now gaining prominence in the manifestos of various political parties. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Tamil Nadu’s leadership in social and educational reforms and said the breakfast scheme would be remembered as another historic step forward.
Referring to progress in Punjab, the Chief Minister said government schools are being transformed into Schools of Eminence to deliver world-class education. He proudly shared that Punjab topped the Government of India’s National Achievement Survey, surpassing even Kerala in educational performance. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 848 government school students have cleared the competitive NEET exam, 265 have qualified for JEE Mains, and 45 students have cleared JEE Advanced.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced special buses for girls to ensure access to quality education. Likewise, he said that Training of principals and teachers was arranged at prestigious institutes in Singapore, Finland, and Ahmedabad to upscale their expertise. In the health sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is being launched under which every family in Punjab will receive free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh.
The Chief Minister said that This scheme, open to all with no income restrictions, is set to benefit over 30 million people. He added that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are already operational, serving around 70,000 patients daily, and a new WhatsApp chatbot service has been launched to improve access to healthcare information. Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced the upcoming launch of 200 new Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab to further enhance healthcare access.
The Chief Minister said that Just like the Tamil Nadu government, the Punjab government is working with missionary zeal to serve our people. He said that the state is committed to building a “Rangla Punjab” with the people’s support and no stone is being left unturned in this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has witnessed major transformation in all the sectors thereby immensely benefitting the common man.
Describing MK Stalin as a “true mass leader,” the Chief Minister invited him to visit Punjab—the sacred land of saints, gurus, prophets, and martyrs. He said MK Stalin has earned deep respect through his vision, dedication, and pro-people governance. “Such committed leaders are rare in today’s political landscape,” Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked.
In a sharp critique of national leadership, the Chief Minister said the country is currently being run by a “master of phraseology” who has consistently misled the public. Citing broken promises like the arrival of “acche din” and the undelivered ₹15 lakh in every account, he said these false assurances have eroded public trust in politics. “This disillusionment is not a good sign for democracy,” Bhagwant Singh Mann warned.
