Gujarat Governments Foster Parent Scheme Benefits Thousands of Children
The Gujarat government’s Foster Parent Scheme provides vital support to orphans, aiding their education and well-being with financial assistance.
Gandhinagar, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Gujarat government is making significant strides in child welfare through various initiatives aimed at improving the health, education, and safety of children. Among these efforts is the Foster Parent Scheme, managed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. This program provides financial support to relatives and foster parents of orphaned children under the age of 18.
Under this scheme, eligible families receive ₹3,000 each month to help cover education and healthcare expenses. Thousands of children in Gujarat have benefited from this financial assistance, enabling them to lead better lives.
Beneficiary Sneha Chaudhary shared her experience, stating, “The government provides us with ₹3,000 every month through the Foster Parent Scheme. This support has greatly helped me with my education, allowing me to attend tuition classes and study effectively.”
Another beneficiary, Meet Patel, expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying, “The monthly ₹3,000 has made me capable of pursuing my education. It covers my school and tuition fees, providing me with significant relief. I am about to complete my postgraduate course.”
To access the benefits of the Foster Parent Scheme, applicants can register online on the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment’s portal. The Child Welfare Committee reviews applications and provides financial aid to selected beneficiaries.
Sanjay Patel, a Child Protection Officer in Gandhinagar, explained that the scheme focuses on supporting children cared for by relatives like uncles, aunts, and grandparents. “This initiative is specifically designed to aid their education,” he noted.
Alkaben Rawal, a member of the Child Welfare Committee in Ahmedabad, elaborated on the application process. “After receiving an application, we create a care plan for the child. Once we prepare a home inspection report and other necessary documents, we authorize the sponsorship scheme, which grants the child ₹3,000 monthly,” she said. The overarching goal of both the Foster Parent Scheme and the sponsorship initiative is to ensure that children grow up in a nurturing family environment.
According to statistics, during the financial year 2025-26, the Foster Parent Scheme provided a total of ₹80.81 crore in financial assistance to 21,881 beneficiaries. From April to September 2026, 22,224 children received ₹41.11 crore in support.
The Foster Parent Scheme not only offers financial aid to orphaned children but also provides them with opportunities to thrive in a secure environment, ensuring a self-sufficient future. Overall, this initiative by the Gujarat government represents a vital step toward child welfare, social security, and empowering vulnerable children.
