Palanhaar Yojana: A Unique Initiative by Rajasthan Govt for Orphaned and Needy Children

Introduction

Palanhaar Yojana is a distinctive and humanitarian scheme initiated by the Rajasthan Government. Instead of institutionalizing orphaned and needy children, the government provides financial assistance to a close relative or a familiar person who is willing to take care of the child. This approach ensures that children grow up in a family environment, receiving proper care, emotional support, and education.

This scheme is one of the most unique initiatives in India, focusing on community-based child welfare rather than institutional care. It serves as an exemplary model that other states can follow to support underprivileged children.

Objectives of Palanhaar Yojana

The primary goals of the scheme are:

• To provide financial aid to guardians who take responsibility for orphaned and needy children.
• To ensure that these children grow up in a family rather than an institution.
• To support the child’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being.
• To reduce the number of orphaned children in institutional care and encourage family-based support.

Eligibility Criteria for Palanhaar Yojana

The scheme covers a wide range of beneficiaries. The following categories of children are eligible for financial assistance:

1. Orphaned Children

• Children who have lost both parents and have no direct guardian to take care of them.

2. Children of Parents Facing Severe Punishment

• If both parents have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment, their children are eligible for the scheme.

3. Children of Widowed Mothers Receiving Pension

• If a widow is eligible for a government pension and has up to three children, they can receive financial aid under the scheme.

4. Children of Remarried Widows

• If a widowed mother remarries, her children still qualify for financial assistance under Palanhar Yojana.

5. Children of Parents Affected by HIV/AIDS

• If either both parents are suffering from HIV/AIDS, their children can receive financial support.

6. Children of Parents Affected by Leprosy

• If a child’s mother / father is suffering from leprosy, they qualify for the scheme.

7. Children of Mothers Who Have Left Their Marital Home (Nata Pratha)

• If a mother leaves her marital home due to traditional practices (Nata Pratha), her three children can benefit from the scheme.

8. Children of Specially-Abled Parents

• If both parents are disabled, their children are eligible for the scheme.

9. Children of Divorced or Abandoned Women

• If a woman is divorced or abandoned by her husband, her children can avail financial assistance under the scheme.

Financial Assistance and Benefits Under Palanhaar Yojana

The Rajasthan government provides monthly financial aid to the guardians (Palanhaar) to ensure the child’s proper care and education.

1. Monthly Financial Assistance

• For children aged 0-6 years: ₹500 per month (Anganwadi enrollment is mandatory).
• For children aged 6-18 years: ₹1,000 per month (School enrollment is mandatory).

2. Annual Financial Assistance for Essentials

• A one-time grant of ₹2,000 per year for clothes, sweaters, shoes, and other necessary items.
• This benefit is not applicable for widow guardians and Nata guardians.

Conditions for Availing Palanhaar Yojana Benefits

To ensure that the financial assistance reaches the truly needy, the Rajasthan government has set certain conditions:

1. Annual Income Limit – The annual income of the Palanhaar family should not exceed ₹1.20 lakh.
2. Age Limit – The maximum age of the child should be less than 18 years.
3. Residence Requirement – Both the guardian and the child must have been residing in Rajasthan for at least three years before applying.

Required Documents for Palanhaar Yojana Application

Applicants must submit the following documents to verify their eligibility:

1. Basic Documents

• Aadhar Card of the child.
• Aadhar Card or UID/EID Number of the guardian.
• Ration Card/Voter ID or Residential Proof of the guardian.
• Income certificate (Annual income must be below ₹1.20 lakh).

2. Additional Documents as per Eligibility Category

Depending on the eligibility category, the following additional documents are required:

• For orphaned children – Death certificates of both parents.
• For children of imprisoned parents – Copy of the court’s sentencing order.
• For children of widow pension beneficiaries – Social security pension payment order (PPO).
• For children of remarried widows – Marriage certificate of the remarried widow.
• For children of HIV/AIDS-affected parents – ART Centre-issued Green Diary (ARD Diary).
• For children of leprosy-affected parents – Medical certificate issued by a competent board.
• For children of mothers under Nata Pratha – Certificate proving the mother has been living separately for more than a year.
• For children of specially-abled parents – Disability certificate (40% or more disability).
• For children of divorced or abandoned women – Social security pension payment order (PPO).
• For school-going children – Enrollment certificate from an Anganwadi or school.

How to Apply for Palanhaar Yojana?

The application process for Palanhaar Yojana is simple and can be completed online through e-Mitra centers.

1. Online Application Through e-Mitra Centers

• Visit the nearest e-Mitra center in Rajasthan.
• Submit all required documents along with the application form.
• The e-Mitra operator will process the application online.

2. Checking Application and Payment Status

Applicants can check their application and payment status on the following portals:

• Palanhaar Yojana Official Website
• Social Justice and Empowerment Department Rajasthan

3. Verification and Approval

• Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by government authorities.
• Upon successful verification, the financial assistance starts getting credited to the guardian’s bank account.

Impact of Palanhaar Yojana

This scheme has transformed the lives of thousands of orphaned and needy children in Rajasthan. Some key impacts include:

• Providing financial security to children in need.
• Ensuring that children receive love and care within a family rather than an institution.
• Encouraging guardians to take responsibility for orphaned children.
• Promoting education and reducing child labor.
• Setting an example for other states in India to implement similar programs.

Many families have benefited from this scheme, ensuring a better future for orphaned and vulnerable children.

Conclusion

Palanhaar Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Rajasthan Government that focuses on the welfare of orphaned and underprivileged children. By providing financial assistance to guardians, the government ensures that these children grow up in a family environment rather than in institutions.

This scheme is a model of social responsibility and effective governance, highlighting the importance of community-based childcare. If you or someone you know is eligible for this scheme, do not hesitate to apply and make a difference in a child’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Palanhaar Yojana

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