Tamil Nadu hikes monthly food allowance for students in government-run hostels

The Tamil Nadu government has raised the monthly food allowance for students living in school and college hostels run by the Department of Social Justice. A formal government order was issued following an announcement by Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu during the Assembly Budget session.

Revised Rates And Coverage

Under the new rates, the monthly food allowance for school students in hostels goes up from ₹1,400 to ₹1,800 per student. For college students, the allowance increases from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per student. The scheme benefits students across 1,169 hostels under the Directorate of Adi Dravidar Welfare and 379 institutions under the Directorate of Tribal Welfare. To fund this rollout from October 2026 to March 2027, the government has allocated ₹29.41 crore.

Context

Government-run student hostels and residential schools provide essential support and lodging to help students from backward and tribal communities pursue their education. Periodic hikes in food allowances are meant to help manage rising food and living costs so that students continue to receive adequate meals.