In the wake of many children developing health issues related to hydration, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to allow three breaks in school to make sure that the children form a habit of drinking enough water.

The plan was detailed in a circular issued by school education director S Kannappan. Even as the plan was announced, there were questions from several quarters - including government teachers themselves - regarding the issue of availability of clean drinking water in government schools.

Currently, the schools have two short breaks and a lunch break; the new break would be included in the afternoon quarter of the day.

The Puducherry government had also on Monday made it mandatory for schools to ring a 'water bell' thrice a day to get the children to drink water.