Municipal-Welfare Plan May Shift Breakfast Scheme to Midday Meals
Municipal- The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation is examining a proposal to replace its free breakfast programme for sanitation workers with a midday meal system, after concerns emerged that food served at dawn often fails to remain fresh by the time workers are able to eat.
The move follows feedback from hundreds of conservancy staff who begin work in the early hours but typically take their meal break much later in the morning. According to officials, this gap has affected the quality and suitability of the breakfast currently provided under the welfare scheme.
Concerns Over Food Freshness
In a statement issued by Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran, the civic administration acknowledged that several workers had raised issues about the condition of meals consumed after long hours in the field.
Sanitation teams usually start sweeping and waste collection operations before sunrise. Breakfast is prepared around 6.30 a.m., but many workers are unable to eat until close to 10 a.m. By then, they report that the food often loses its warmth and freshness, making it less appealing and sometimes unsuitable.
Officials said these practical challenges prompted a review of the existing system. The administration is now weighing whether a midday meal would better align with workers’ schedules and nutritional needs.
Proposal Under Review
If the change is approved, the Corporation plans to allocate Rs 51 per worker per day for the midday meal, compared with the Rs 40 currently spent on breakfast. The additional cost would be covered by the municipal body as part of its employee welfare initiatives.
Authorities clarified that the proposal is still under consideration and no final decision has been taken. The aim, they said, is to ensure that any revision benefits the workforce without disrupting existing arrangements.
To assess preferences, the Corporation intends to circulate feedback forms among sanitation workers. Their responses will guide the final decision on whether to continue the breakfast programme or transition to a lunch-based model.
Impact on Thousands of Workers
At present, 9,454 sanitation workers engaged in conservancy operations across Coimbatore receive free breakfast under the scheme. Many of them perform physically demanding tasks that extend through the morning hours.
Several workers have informally indicated that a meal served closer to noon would provide better sustenance after strenuous duties. A properly timed lunch, they believe, would help maintain energy levels and improve overall well-being during long shifts.
Municipal officials said the review is part of a broader effort to strengthen support systems for frontline civic staff, whose work is essential to maintaining public hygiene and urban cleanliness.
Background of the Welfare Scheme
The free breakfast programme was introduced by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a welfare measure to ensure sanitation workers receive adequate nutrition despite their early start times. The initiative was widely welcomed when launched, with local leaders praising it as a step toward improving worker welfare.
R. Ranganayaki, Mayor of Coimbatore, had earlier conveyed appreciation to Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for introducing the scheme. Officials now say the proposed adjustment is intended to refine, rather than replace, the core objective of supporting sanitation workers.
As discussions continue, the Corporation has emphasized that worker feedback will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome. The administration maintains that any final decision will prioritise food quality, timely access, and the health of those who keep the city running each day.