Thu Dec 26 13:49:45 UTC 2024: **Tamil Nadu Expands Free Food Program to 11 Major Temples**
MADURAI, Tamil Nadu – The Tamil Nadu government has expanded its “Annadhanam” (free food) program to eleven major temples across the state, including the Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Azhagarkoil and prominent shrines in Palani and Tiruchendur. The program, launched by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin via video conference, now offers free meals throughout the day at these temples. An additional 760 temples will continue to provide one meal a day.
Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration P. Moorthy inaugurated the extended program at the Azhagarkoil temple, serving food alongside Madurai Collector M.S. Sangeetha and HR and CE department officials. The government has allocated ₹110 crore for the initiative, aiming to serve 3.36 crore devotees annually. Furthermore, 523 temples have received FSSAI’s BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) certification for food safety.
The expansion also includes the Subramania Swamy Temple at Marudhamalai near Coimbatore. In Palani, the government launched noon meal schemes in HR and CE-run educational institutions, benefiting 5,775 students. These schools and colleges have also implemented the CM breakfast scheme.
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