What this scheme offers
Palanhar ('caretaker') is built for children who've lost the normal support of a parent — orphans, children of parents in jail, children with a parent who is disabled or HIV-positive, and similar situations — and pays whoever is actually raising the child, not necessarily a legal guardian. The younger a child is, the more the family typically needs support with essentials; the scheme reflects that with ₹1,500 a month up to age 5, rising to ₹2,500 a month from 6 to 18, plus an annual grant for clothing. It's one of the broader child-welfare safety nets among Indian state schemes, covering situations that narrower orphan-only schemes often miss.
Who is eligible
- Child in Rajasthan who is orphaned, or whose parent is imprisoned, disabled (40%+), HIV-positive, or otherwise unable to provide care, per scheme criteria.
- Child is under 18 years of age.
- Being raised by a relative, foster family or institution (not necessarily a legal guardian).
Documents required
- Child's birth certificate
- Aadhaar card (child and caregiver)
- Proof of the qualifying condition (death certificate, imprisonment record, disability certificate, medical record, as applicable)
- Caregiver's bank account details
- School enrollment certificate, where applicable
How to apply
- Apply through the e-mitra portal or your local Social Justice and Empowerment office.
- Submit proof of the child's situation along with identity documents.
- The application is verified by the district Social Justice office.
- Once approved, the monthly amount is credited to the caregiver's bank account via DBT.
- The annual clothing grant is disbursed separately, typically once a year.