The Palak Mata Pita Yojana is a transformative welfare initiative launched by the Gujarat State Government to safeguard the future of orphaned and abandoned children. The scheme aims to provide such children with the love, care, and stability of a family-like environment by appointing foster parents who will raise them as their own, ensuring access to education, health, and holistic development.
Under this scheme, financial aid is provided to foster families for the upbringing and welfare of these children, ensuring they are not forced into child labor or left vulnerable to societal exploitation.
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Objective and Vision
The primary objective of the Palak Mata Pita Yojana is:
To ensure a secure and nurturing environment for orphaned children.
To replace institutional care with a family-based foster care system.
To promote education and personal growth of destitute children by integrating them into the mainstream society.
This approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a loving home, not just shelter and survival.
Financial Assistance Provided
The Gujarat Government offers monthly financial aid to foster parents for each child under their care. The current rate is:
₹3,000 per month per child
This financial aid continues until the child turns 18 years old, ensuring continuous support throughout their formative years.
Key Benefits of the Palak Mata Pita Yojana
✅ Foster Home Stability: Provides a family-like environment to children instead of institutional orphanages.
✅ Educational Empowerment: Ensures continued schooling by relieving the financial burden on foster families.
✅ Government Support: Regular and reliable assistance backed by the Gujarat State Government.
✅ Emotional Security: Children grow up in a home with emotional bonding and cultural grounding.
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Eligibility Criteria
To avail of benefits under the Palak Mata Pita Yojana, both the child and the foster parents must meet specific eligibility criteria.
For the Child:
Must be orphaned (both parents deceased) or abandoned.
Should be a resident of Gujarat.
Must be below 18 years of age.
For the Foster Parents:
Should be permanent residents of Gujarat.
Must not be involved in criminal activities or child labor exploitation.
Should be mentally and physically fit to raise a child.
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Required Documentation
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Child’s Birth Certificate
Death Certificates of both biological parents
Aadhaar Card of the child and foster parents
Residence Proof
Bank Account Details (for DBT – Direct Benefit Transfer)
Passport-size Photographs
Affidavit of Foster Relationship
These documents must be submitted to the District Child Protection Office (DCPO).
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Application Procedure
Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for Palak Mata Pita Yojana:
Visit the nearest District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
Obtain and fill the application form.
Attach the required documents.
Submit the application to the DCPU officer.
The application will undergo verification and home inspection.
Once approved, the monthly financial assistance will start via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank account of the foster parent.
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Implementation Authority
The scheme is implemented under the supervision of:
Women and Child Development Department, Government of Gujarat
District Child Protection Units (DCPU)
Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)
These authorities conduct background checks, monitor the welfare of children, and ensure regular financial disbursement.
Palak Mata Pita Yojana Monitoring and Evaluation
The program includes:
Regular Home Visits by officials
Progress Reports of the child’s well-being
Educational Monitoring
Medical checkups
Any discrepancies or violations can lead to revocation of foster care approval and discontinuation of benefits.
Challenges Addressed by the Scheme
Reduces the burden on institutional orphanages
Prevents children from falling into human trafficking, beggary, or child labor
Encourages community participation in child welfare
Strengthens the social safety net for vulnerable populations
How to Apply for Palak Mata Pita Yojana
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Collect the Application Form:
Available at the District Child Protection Office (DCPO) or can be downloaded from the official Gujarat government website.
Attach Required Documents:
Birth certificate of the child.
Death certificate of parents (if applicable).
Proof of guardianship or relationship.
Aadhaar card of both guardian and child.
Recent passport-size photographs.
Income certificate of the guardian.
Proof of residence in Gujarat.
Submit the Application:
Submit it to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) or Taluka Mamlatdar office.
The application will be scrutinized by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Verification and Approval:
A field investigation is conducted by officials.
Upon approval, the guardian starts receiving the monthly allowance directly in their bank account.
Key Features of the Scheme
Transparency: All disbursements are processed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to avoid corruption or delay.
Accessibility: Forms and support are available at the village, taluka, and district levels.
No Cap on Number of Children: Guardians can receive support for more than one child, subject to eligibility.
Monitoring System: Regular home visits are conducted to ensure the child’s welfare and financial utilization.
Special Provisions
For Differently-Abled Children: Additional support may be considered depending on the severity and category of disability.
For Tribal Communities: The scheme is actively implemented in tribal belts to ensure inclusion.
Contact & Support
If you need assistance regarding the scheme:
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) – Visit your local district office.
Women & Child Development Department, Gujarat – Official Site
Helpline: 1098 (Childline)
Palak Mata Pita Yojana (FAQs)
Is there an age limit for the guardian?
No specific age, but they must be physically and mentally fit to care for the child.
Can a guardian be a neighbor or non-relative?
Yes, if the Child Welfare Committee deems the arrangement safe and appropriate.
What happens if the guardian misuses funds?
Immediate action is taken including withdrawal of assistance and reallocation of the child to another responsible guardian or institution.
How long does it take to receive the first installment?
Usually within 30-60 days post-approval, depending on document verification and clearance.
Conclusion
The Palak Mata Pita Yojana is a remarkable initiative that bridges the gap between institutional care and family nurturing for orphaned children in Gujarat. By empowering guardians with financial support, the government ensures that vulnerable children receive love, care, and education in a home-like environment. This scheme is a testimony to the government’s commitment to inclusive child welfare and social responsibility.
To make a real difference, spread awareness about this scheme and encourage eligible guardians to come forward.