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Summary:

The Tamil Nadu government has approved ₹186 crore to provide meals for approximately 29,400 conservancy workers in the Greater Chennai Corporation over three years. Workers on various shifts will receive either lunch, breakfast, or dinner at over 500 locations. The initiative follows a conservancy worker protest and is part of a broader welfare package that includes medical treatment, housing, and other benefits. The program will initially launch in Chennai and eventually expand to other urban areas.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu Government Invests ₹186 Crore to Feed Chennai Conservancy Workers

CHENNAI, INDIA – October 24, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu government has announced a significant investment of ₹186 crore to provide free meals to nearly 29,400 conservancy workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation. This initiative, slated to run for three years, will ensure that workers across all shifts receive a nutritious meal during their eight-hour workday.

The program, which will operate at over 500 locations throughout Chennai, will provide lunch to workers on the morning shift, breakfast to those working overnight, and dinner to those on the afternoon/evening shift. The estimated cost per meal, including transportation, service, and GST, ranges from ₹42 to ₹57.75. Funding will be drawn from the Sixth State Finance Commission.

This announcement comes after conservancy workers staged a protest at Ripon Buildings earlier this year. In response, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet approved a comprehensive welfare package for conservancy workers, including this meal program, as well as provisions for medical treatment, housing assistance, increased solatium payments, entrepreneurship subsidies, and educational support for their children.

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our essential conservancy workers,” stated Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. “We are starting in Chennai and plan to expand this program to other urban local bodies in the future.”

The program will ensure that all food will be prepared in kitchens certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), guaranteeing quality and safety. This initiative aims to improve the living standards and working conditions for this vital workforce.

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