Cuddalore Collector orders action after schools told to buy breakfast scheme utensils from own funds

Cuddalore District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar has directed Chief Educational Officer Mahalakshmi to initiate disciplinary action against an Assistant in the office of the CEO after an erroneous circular was circulated to schools in the district stating that headmasters should purchase plates, tumblers and other utensils for students under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme using their own funds.The circular was issued ahead of the expansion of the breakfast scheme during the academic year 2026-27 to students from Classes I to VIII in government and government-aided schools. It directed schools to install new nameboards for the scheme, photograph them using GPS and upload the details through a Google Form by September 15.The circular issued to District Educational Officers in Cuddalore and Vriddhachalam also stated that headmasters should make arrangements to provide students with plates and tumblers, while rectifying gaps in kitchen, lighting and drinking water facilities through the schools’ own funds.After the issue came to light, the Collector directed the CEO to initiate departmental action against an assistant concerned. He clarified that funds for plates, tumblers and other utensils used by children under the breakfast scheme were provided through the respective local bodies. This procedure will continue to be followed, the Collector said. Published - September 12, 2026 08:22 pm IST