India has made significant progress in child welfare over the past two decades, yet thousands of children still face serious challenges due to poverty, the loss of parents, chronic illness, abandonment, or unstable family situations. Many of these children are at risk of dropping out of school, child labor, or institutional care in orphanages.
To address this issue in a humane and family-centered way, the Rajasthan Government launched Palanhar Yojana, a flagship child protection and social security scheme. The core idea of the scheme is simple but powerful: children grow best in families, not institutions. Under the latest 2025–26 updates, Palanhar Yojana provides monthly financial assistance of ₹2500 for children aged 6 to 18 years, and ₹1500 per month for children aged 0 to 6 years. This money is given to the child’s Palanhar (guardian or caregiver) so that the child can receive proper nutrition, education, healthcare, and emotional support while living in a family environment.
Palanhar Yojana 2026
Palanhar Yojana is a Rajasthan state government welfare scheme designed to support orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children by providing monthly financial assistance to their caregivers.
Instead of placing children in orphanages or shelter homes, the government encourages relatives or responsible families to raise the child as their own. The caregiver is called a “Palanhar”, meaning someone who nurtures, protects, and raises the child.
Palanhar Yojana 2026 Key Features
| Feature | Details |
| Monthly Financial Support | ₹1,500 per month (0–6 years) ₹2,500 per month (6–18 years) |
| Who Can Apply | Orphaned, abandoned, or vulnerable children (0–18 years) living in Rajasthan, through a guardian (Palanhar) |
| Official Website | https://jansoochna.rajasthan.gov.in/ |
Key Objectives of Palanhar Yojana
- Ensure family-based care for vulnerable children
- Prevent children from being sent to institutions
- Support education and reduce school dropouts
- Improve nutrition and healthcare access
- Provide emotional stability and social inclusion
This approach aligns with global child welfare best practices, which emphasize family care over institutional care whenever possible.
Why Palanhar Yojana Is Important
Children who grow up without parents or stable family support often face:
- Poor education outcomes
- Malnutrition and health issues
- Emotional trauma
- Higher risk of child labor or exploitation
Palanhar Yojana addresses these problems by:
- Giving families financial strength to raise children
- Keeping siblings together instead of separating them
- Encouraging long-term education and skill development
The scheme plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty and neglect.
Latest News & Updates on Palanhar Yojana (2025–26)
Here are the most important updates every applicant should know:
₹2500 Monthly Assistance for Children Up to 18 Years
The biggest update is the ₹2500 per month financial support for children aged 6 to 18 years. This increase reflects rising education and living costs and ensures better support for school-going children.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Money is transferred directly to the guardian’s bank account
- No middlemen, no cash handling
- Linked with Aadhaar for transparency
Simplified Application Process
- Applications can be submitted through SSO ID and e-Mitra centers
- Reduced paperwork compared to earlier years
- Faster verification through digital records
Education-Focused Monitoring
- Children must remain enrolled in school (where applicable)
- Regular checks ensure funds are used for child welfare
These updates show the government’s renewed commitment to child protection and education continuity.
Who Can Apply for Palanhar Yojana? (Eligibility Criteria)
Child Eligibility
A child must meet all or most of the following conditions:
- Age between 0 and 18 years
- Resident of Rajasthan
- Belongs to a vulnerable category such as:
- Orphan (one or both parents deceased)
- Abandoned child
- Child of parents unable to care due to illness or legal reasons
Guardian (Palanhar) Eligibility
The caregiver must:
- Be a close relative or approved guardian
- Be willing to raise the child in a family environment
- Have annual income generally not exceeding ₹1.2 lakh
- Be a resident of Rajasthan
Special Categories Covered
Palanhar Yojana also covers:
- Children of widowed mothers
- Children of divorced or deserted women
- Children of parents suffering from serious illnesses (such as HIV/AIDS)
- Children of parents serving long-term prison sentences
- Children from extremely poor or socially vulnerable backgrounds
Financial Benefits Under Palanhar Yojana
Monthly Assistance Amount
| Child’s Age Group | Monthly Amount |
| 0–6 years | ₹1,500 |
| 6–18 years | ₹2,500 |
What the Money Is Meant For
The assistance is intended to cover:
- Food and nutrition
- School fees and tuition
- Uniforms, books, and stationery
- Healthcare and medicines
- Daily living expenses
In some special cases, additional education-related support may also be provided annually.
How to Apply for Palanhar Yojana (Step-by-Step Guide)
You can apply through online or offline modes.
Online Application Process
- Visit the official Social Justice & Empowerment portal of Rajasthan
- Log in using your SSO ID
- Select Palanhar Yojana from the available schemes
- Enter details of:
- Child
- Guardian (Palanhar)
- Address and income
- Bank account
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application and save the reference number
Advantages of Online Application
- Faster processing
- Easy status tracking
- Fewer visits to government offices
Offline Application Process
- Visit the nearest e-Mitra center or Social Justice Department office
- Collect the Palanhar Yojana application form
- Fill in all details carefully
- Attach photocopies of required documents
- Submit the form and keep the receipt
Offline mode is ideal for applicants without internet access.
Documents Required for Application
To avoid rejection or delay, keep these documents ready:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Aadhaar card of child and guardian
- Rajasthan domicile certificate
- Income certificate
- Bank passbook (for DBT)
- School or Anganwadi enrollment proof
- Death certificate of parents (if applicable)
- Medical or legal documents (if applicable)
How the Verification Process Works
After submission:
- Application is reviewed by local authorities
- Documents are verified
- Field verification may be conducted if needed
- Approval or rejection decision is made
Once approved, payments usually begin within a few weeks.
How Is the Money Paid?
- Monthly payment through Direct Benefit Transfer
- Credited to guardian’s bank account
- Aadhaar-linked account required
- Payment continues as long as eligibility conditions are met
Duration of Benefits
- Benefits continue until the child turns 18
- Payments may stop if:
- Child drops out of school
- Guardian income exceeds the limit
- Child moves out of Rajasthan
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
- Incorrect or incomplete documents
- Income above eligibility limit
- Child not enrolled in school
- Mismatch in Aadhaar or bank details
- False information
Expert Tips for Faster Approval
- Use updated income certificates
- Ensure Aadhaar-bank linkage
- Keep school enrollment active
- Apply via e-Mitra if unsure
- Track application status regularly
The Palanhar Yojana 2026 is more than just a financial assistance program—it is a lifeline for vulnerable children. With ₹2500 per month for children up to 18 years, the scheme ensures that no child is forced into institutional care due to poverty alone.
If you know a family or child who qualifies, encourage them to apply as soon as possible. A timely application can make a life-changing difference.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is Palanhar Yojana and why was it started?
Palanhar Yojana is a child welfare scheme launched by the Rajasthan government to support orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children by providing monthly financial assistance to their caregivers. The main purpose of the scheme is to ensure that children grow up in a family environment instead of orphanages or shelter homes.
Q2. Is Palanhar Yojana available in all Indian states?
No. Palanhar Yojana is a Rajasthan state government scheme and is only available to children who are residents of Rajasthan. Both the child and the guardian must meet Rajasthan domicile requirements.
Q3. Will the child continue to get money after turning 18 years old?
In most cases, financial assistance stops once the child turns 18 years old, as the scheme is meant for minors only. However, in certain exceptional cases—such as ongoing education or special government decisions—limited extensions may be considered.