Gujarat allocates Rs 80.81 crore to 21,881 foster‑parent beneficiaries for 2025‑26

Gujarat’s Department of Social Welfare announced that the state will disburse a total of Rs 80.81 crore to 21,881 eligible families under the foster‑parent scheme for the 2025‑26 fiscal year. The allocation is part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen child‑care services and promote family‑based care for vulnerable children.

The scheme provides financial assistance to households that take in children who are unable to live with their biological parents. By supporting 21,881 beneficiaries, the state aims to expand the reach of institutional alternatives and improve the overall well‑being of children placed in foster care.

Officials said the funds will be released in installments tied to compliance with monitoring guidelines, ensuring that the support reaches the intended families. The allocation reflects Gujarat’s commitment to child welfare and aligns with national objectives to increase the number of children in safe, family‑based environments.

The 2025‑26 budget earmark follows a gradual increase in funding for the foster‑parent program over recent years, signalling the state’s confidence in the model’s effectiveness. The government expects the enhanced financial support to encourage more families to participate and to improve outcomes for children placed under care.

No further details on the disbursement schedule were released, but the department confirmed that the scheme will continue to operate under the same eligibility criteria as previous years, with periodic reviews to assess impact.