Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has released a payment of ₹146.74 crore to beneficiaries of the Palanhar Yojana, a scheme to support orphaned children and those raised by relatives and friends.
The payment distribution took place at Gehlot’s official residence, where he allocated ₹59.38 crore to 5.92 lakh beneficiaries for the month of June and ₹87.36 crore to 5.91 lakh beneficiaries for July. Despite recuperating from toe injuries at home, Gehlot engaged with beneficiaries across various districts through video conferencing.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the enhanced assistance would impose an additional burden of ₹300 crore on the State exchequer this year. However, he emphasized that the increased allocation would ensure comprehensive care, protection, and education for children who have lost their parents. Gehlot expressed his belief that these children would play a pivotal role in the State’s future progress.
Appreciating [Former CM] Vasundhara Rajefor her vision of supporting orphans and children facing adverse circumstances, Gehlot described the Palanhar Yojana as a “unique initiative” that had been further strengthened by his government. He urged everyone to take responsibility for ensuring that every eligible child benefits from the scheme.
Ahead of this year’s Assembly election, Gehlot adopted the BJP’s ‘Labharthi’ concept to connect with individual beneficiaries of various schemes. The ruling Congress party hopes that increasing the payout will advance its political objectives.
Last month, the inaugural ‘Labharthi Utsav’ (beneficiary festival) was held, releasing direct subsidies on LPG cylinders to underprivileged families who were no longer receiving benefits from the Centre’s well-known Ujjwala Yojana.
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