TN Government Launches ‘Anbu Karangal’ Scheme to Support Orphaned Children
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – September 16, 2025 – In a significant step towards child welfare and social justice, the Tamil Nadu government has officially launched the ‘Anbu Karangal’ scheme, an initiative aimed at supporting orphaned children and vulnerable minors across the state. The move comes as part of the state’s larger commitment to inclusive development and ensuring no child is left behind due to the loss of parental care.
What is the ‘Anbu Karangal’ Scheme?
The term ‘Anbu Karangal’ translates to ‘Caring Hands’, and the name truly reflects the intent of this progressive scheme. The Tamil Nadu government has designed this initiative to extend monthly financial support to children who have:
Lost one parent and the surviving parent is unable to provide care due to illness, disability, imprisonment, or abandonment.
Under this scheme, eligible children will receive ₹2,000 per month until they reach the age of 18 or complete their schooling, whichever comes later.
The primary objective of the Anbu Karangal scheme is to ensure that children do not drop out of school due to the loss of parental care or financial hardship. Beyond education, the scheme also aims to offer psychological and emotional security to these children by involving community and school-based support systems.
Nutritional and basic needs support
Pathways to higher education or vocational training
Rollout and Initial Beneficiaries
During the launch event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that 6,082 children have already been identified as eligible beneficiaries under the first phase of the scheme.
District administrations across Tamil Nadu – including Madurai, Trichy, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, and Ranipet – have already begun distribution of identity cards, school kits, and direct benefit transfers (DBT) under this scheme.
In Madurai alone, 347 children have been enrolled, while in Trichy, 377 children have been identified. The government has directed all district collectors to ensure no eligible child is left out of the benefits.
Beyond Financial Aid: A Holistic Approach
Unlike many welfare schemes that stop at financial assistance, Anbu Karangal adopts a holistic child development approach. The Tamil Nadu government is also working to ensure:
Access to counselling services
Regular monitoring of children's academic progress
Opportunities for skill development and employment support after schooling
The scheme also links children with local NGOs, school teachers, and community volunteers to create a supportive environment around them.
Social Commitment Over Political Gain
Chief Minister Stalin, while addressing the gathering, emphasized that Anbu Karangal is not a political tool, but a moral responsibility. He reiterated that the scheme is part of the DMK government’s broader vision for social equity and justice.
He stated, “This is not about politics. It is about compassion. Every child deserves a fair chance at life, regardless of their circumstances.”
To ensure transparency and effective delivery, the government is implementing the Anbu Karangal scheme through:
Digital tracking systems for disbursement
District-level grievance redressal mechanisms
Collaboration with the Departments of School Education, Social Welfare, and Health
Each child is issued an ID card and is assigned a mentor or community guardian to monitor their progress and well-being.
The Anbu Karangal scheme is expected to make a major impact in:
Reducing child poverty and school dropouts
Improving education outcomes for disadvantaged children
Creating future-ready youth through continued support beyond school
Experts believe this initiative can become a model child welfare scheme for other Indian states to follow, especially in the post-pandemic era where many children have lost one or both parents.
The Tamil Nadu government’s Anbu Karangal scheme represents a compassionate and strategic approach to child welfare. By addressing both the financial and emotional needs of orphaned and vulnerable children, the state is taking a firm step toward inclusive and sustainable development.