Stalin Launches Anbu Karangal Scheme To Support Orphaned Children

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the transformative Anbu Karangal (Hands of Love) scheme on Monday, a compassionate initiative to provide Rs 2,000 monthly financial aid to children who have lost both parents or whose surviving parent cannot provide care. Aimed at ensuring uninterrupted education, the program supports eligible children until they complete their schooling or reach age 18, offering a lifeline to some of the state’s most vulnerable youth.

In its inaugural phase, the scheme will benefit 6,082 orphaned children across Tamil Nadu, with funds disbursed directly to secure their academic and personal growth. During the launch event, Stalin also distributed laptops to 1,340 students who, having lost both parents, completed Class 12 and gained admission to higher education through state-backed efforts. “This is about giving these children hope and a future,” Stalin said, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering resilience and opportunity.

Rooted in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Anbu Karangal reflects Tamil Nadu’s commitment to safeguarding abandoned and orphaned children. To ensure seamless implementation, the state introduced a dedicated mobile application, developed in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency. The app streamlines applications, tracks disbursements, and provides a platform for grievance redressal, marking a tech-forward approach to welfare delivery.

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The initiative comes as part of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s broader welfare agenda ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Building on programs like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, which delivers Rs 1,000 monthly to over one crore women, and financial aid for government school students pursuing higher education, Anbu Karangal underscores the DMK’s focus on inclusive growth. “We are building a Tamil Nadu where no child is left behind,” Stalin declared, highlighting the scheme’s alignment with the party’s vision of social justice.

Officials noted that the program not only addresses immediate financial needs but also aims to empower children to break the cycle of poverty through education. “By combining direct cash assistance with tools like laptops, we’re equipping these students to compete in a modern world,” said a senior official from the Social Welfare Department. The government plans to expand the scheme’s reach in future phases, with ongoing monitoring to ensure transparency and impact.

The launch has been widely praised by educators and social workers, who see it as a critical step toward protecting Tamil Nadu’s most vulnerable. As the state gears up for elections, Anbu Karangal positions the DMK as a champion of welfare, blending empathy with innovation to uplift orphaned children and secure their place in Tamil Nadu’s future.

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