Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana — Orphan Support Uttarakhand

What is Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana (Uttarakhand)?

Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana is an Uttarakhand government scheme for children who have lost both parents or whose guardian is unable to take care of them — especially children orphaned due to COVID-19. The scheme provides:

• ₹3,000/month financial support per child
• Free education from Class 1 through graduation
• Free medical treatment under state health insurance
• Support until the child turns 21 years old

Key Benefits

Who is Eligible?

The child is eligible if:

• They are a permanent resident of Uttarakhand
• Both parents have died (or one parent died and the surviving parent is incapacitated)
• The child is below 18 years of age at the time of application
• If COVID orphan: parent(s) died due to COVID-19 after March 2020

The guardian/caretaker applying:

• Can be a grandparent, uncle/aunt, older sibling, or any responsible adult
• Must be a Uttarakhand resident

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar Card — child's (or birth certificate if no Aadhaar)
2. Death certificates — of both parents (or one + disability certificate of other)
3. Residence proof — Uttarakhand domicile of parents
4. Relationship proof — guardian's relationship to the child
5. Bank passbook — in the child's name or guardian's name
6. COVID death certificate — if applicable (death certificate should mention COVID)
7. School enrollment certificate — of the child

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1 — Contact Child Development Officer

Visit the District Probation Officer (DPO) / Child Welfare Committee (CWC) or the District Social Welfare Department in your Uttarakhand district.

Step 2 — Submit Application

Fill the application form provided by the DPO and submit with all documents.

Step 3 — Verification

Social Welfare Department officials verify:

• Parent's death certificates
• Residency
• Child's details and school enrollment

Step 4 — Benefits Start

After approval:

• Monthly ₹3,000 is deposited to the bank account
• School/college fees are waived
• Health coverage is activated

National Scheme for COVID Orphans

Additionally, PM CARES for Children (central scheme) provides:

• ₹10 lakh corpus at 23 years
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY health cover
• Monthly stipend after age 18

Both state (Vatsalya) and central (PM CARES) benefits can be received simultaneously for COVID orphans. Apply for PM CARES separately at pmcaresforchildren.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My nephew lost both parents in a road accident in 2023. Is he eligible?

Yes. Vatsalya Yojana covers children who lost parents to any cause — not just COVID. Road accident orphans are eligible.

2. My sister's child is in Delhi (parents were Uttarakhand residents). Can we apply?

The child must be living in Uttarakhand to receive the benefits. If the child is currently in Delhi but parents were Uttarakhand residents, contact the Uttarakhand DPO for guidance.

3. Can the guardian use the ₹3,000/month for household expenses?

Yes. The money is for the overall care and welfare of the child — food, clothing, transportation to school, etc.

4. Is there an age limit for the caretaker guardian?

No formal age limit for the guardian, but they must be a capable adult who can take responsibility for the child's welfare. CWC does an assessment.

5. My daughter is 17 and both parents died. How long will she get benefits?

Benefits continue until she turns 21, even after she crosses 18. The scheme supports the child through their early adult life.

Official Links