Palanhar Yojana Rajasthan — Orphan Care & Financial Assistance Guide – How to Apply & Benefits

What is Palanhar Yojana?

Palanhar Yojana is a unique scheme by the Government of Rajasthan that provides monthly financial assistance to caregivers (Palanhars) who look after orphan or vulnerable children. Instead of placing children in institutional care (orphanages), the scheme encourages community-based care by supporting relatives or willing families who take responsibility for such children.

Benefits

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Children Categories

• Orphans (both parents deceased)
• Children of parents with life imprisonment
• Children of widows with up to 3 children
• Children of divorced/abandoned women
• Children of disabled parents (40%+ disability)
• Children of leprosy-affected parents
• Children of parents with AIDS
• Children of destitute women
• Children surrendered by parents to the state

Caregiver (Palanhar) Conditions

• Must be a relative or willing family that takes care of the child
• Must be a resident of Rajasthan
• Caregiver's annual income must not exceed ₹1.20 lakh
• Child aged 2-5 must be enrolled in Anganwadi
• Child aged 6+ must be enrolled in school

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card of caregiver and child
• Jan Aadhaar card
• Death certificates of parents (for orphans)
• Court order (for children of parents with life imprisonment)
• Disability certificate of parent (if applicable)
• Widow certificate / divorce decree (if applicable)
• Income certificate of caregiver (annual income ≤ ₹1.20 lakh)
• Anganwadi enrollment proof (for children 2-5 years)
• School enrollment certificate (for children 6+ years)
• Bank passbook of caregiver (Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photographs

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Online Application

1. Visit Rajasthan SSP portal or SJE portal
2. Login using SSO ID or Jan Aadhaar
3. Select Palanhar Yojana
4. Fill the application with details of child, caregiver, and applicable category
5. Upload all required documents
6. Submit and note the application number
7. Track on the portal

Through E-Mitra

1. Visit nearest E-Mitra kiosk
2. Carry all original documents and copies
3. E-Mitra operator fills the application
4. Submit and collect receipt

Offline Application

1. Visit the District Social Justice Office or Block Development Office
2. Collect Palanhar application form
3. Fill and attach all documents
4. Submit to the Social Welfare Officer
5. Collect acknowledgement

Processing Time

• Verification: 1-2 months
• Approval: 2-3 months
• Monthly assistance starts after approval via DBT

Fees

No fees for application.

Important Tips

1. Enroll child in Anganwadi/school — This is mandatory for continued assistance
2. Keep attendance records — The child must maintain school attendance for benefits to continue
3. Renew annually — Submit annual renewal with updated school enrollment proof
4. Multiple children eligible — If caring for multiple orphans, each child is eligible separately
5. Don't wait — Apply as soon as the child comes under your care

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can an orphan child living with grandparents apply?

Yes. Grandparents can be the Palanhar (caregiver) and apply for the scheme.

Q2. Is there a limit on number of children?

There is no strict limit per caregiver, but each child must individually qualify under the eligible categories.

Q3. What if the child drops out of school?

For children aged 6+, school enrollment is mandatory. Dropping out will stop the monthly assistance.

Q4. Can the child get benefits if parents are alive but disabled?

Yes. Children of parents with 40% or more disability are eligible under the scheme.

Q5. Does the scheme cover children up to what age?

The scheme provides support until the child turns 18 years of age.

Q6. How can I check payment status?

Visit jansoochna.rajasthan.gov.in or rajssp.rajasthan.gov.in and search with your application ID.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Government of Rajasthan. Verify on sje.rajasthan.gov.in.