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Social welfare & Empowerment

Palak Mata-Pita Yojana

The "Palak Mata-Pita Yojana" introduced on 29th August, 2009 by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Gujarat, provides a monthly assistance of ₹3000 to foster parents raising orphaned children or children whose mother has remarried after the father's death.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Gujarat

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

Financial Assistance: ₹3,000/- per month.

Who can apply

The applicant must be a close relative, guardian, or foster parent taking care of the child.; The applicant must be caring for a child aged between 0 to 18 years.; The applicant must be taking care of a child whose both parents are deceased, or whose father is deceased and mother has remarried.; The applicant must ensure that the child between 3 to 6 years is enrolled in an Anganwadi center.; The applicant must ensure that the child above 6 years is enrolled in a school for compulsory education.; The applicant must submit a certificate from the school or institution every year confirming the child’s ongoing education.; The applicant must have an annual family income not exceeding ₹27,000/- in rural areas.; The applicant must have an annual family income not exceeding ₹36,000/- in urban areas.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the "Palak Mata-Pita Yojana" and who benefits from it?

The Palak Mata-Pita Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the Government of Gujarat that provides monthly financial assistance to foster parents or guardians who are taking care of orphaned children or children whose surviving parent has remarried after the death of the other parent.

Who is eligible to apply for financial assistance under this scheme?

A person is eligible to apply for this scheme if they are a close relative, guardian, or foster parent of a child between the ages of 0 to 18 years, and if the child’s biological parents are either both deceased or the father is deceased and the mother has remarried.

What is the financial assistance amount provided through the Palak Mata-Pita Yojana?

Under this scheme, the Government of Gujarat provides a monthly financial assistance of ₹3000 directly to the bank account of the eligible foster parent or guardian through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Is there an income limit that applicants must meet to receive benefits under this scheme?

Yes, to qualify for the Palak Mata-Pita Yojana, the applicant’s family income must not exceed ₹27,000/- per year in rural areas and ₹36,000/- per year in urban areas, as certified by a competent authority such as a Magistrate.

Is the scheme applicable to children who still have one surviving parent?

Yes, the scheme also applies to children whose father is deceased and whose mother has remarried, provided the child is not living with the biological parent who remarried.

Is there a specific authority that processes and approves applications under this scheme?

Yes, the applications are reviewed and approved by the Sponsorship and Approval Committee (SFCAC) at the district level, which functions under the leadership of the District Social Security Officer and ensures compliance with government rules.

Is there a cost involved in submitting the application for this scheme?

No, there is no cost or fee associated with submitting the application for the Palak Mata-Pita Yojana as it is completely free of charge.

Are children required to be enrolled in an educational institution to remain eligible for this scheme?

Yes, children above the age of 6 years must be enrolled in a recognized school, and the guardian must submit a certificate every year confirming that the child’s education is ongoing.

What educational requirement applies to children below 6 years of age?

Children between the ages of 3 and 6 years must be admitted to an Anganwadi center as part of the child development and education support requirements of the scheme.

What happens if the child discontinues education during the benefit period?

If the child discontinues education or is not enrolled in an educational institution as required, the financial assistance may be withdrawn or discontinued until compliance is re-established.

Where can applicants seek help or clarification regarding the scheme or the application process?

Applicants seeking assistance or clarification can contact the office of the District Social Security Officer or the District Child Protection Officer in their respective district, where they will be guided through the application process and other related procedures.

Is the "Palak Mata-Pita Yojana" applicable throughout the state of Gujarat?

Yes, the scheme has been implemented across all districts in the state of Gujarat since its launch on 29th August 2009, and it continues to be available to all eligible applicants statewide.