In a generous effort to provide for children who are left vulnerable after losing parental care, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the launch of the ‘Anbu Karangal’ (Hands of Love) scheme on September 16, 2025. The welfare initiative will provide a monthly direct benefit of ₹2,000 to orphaned children in order to avoid their education and basic necessities from being child’s care. This is part of a broader social security agenda of the DMK government, and the scheme is likely to have immediate ramifications for thousands of children across the state. It is indicative of Tamil Nadu’s increased emphasis on child-centered, inclusive and accountable governance.
Key highlights of the Anbu Karangal scheme
- The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of former CM C.N. Annadurai.
- The program provides monthly financial aid of ₹2,000 for the education of orphaned children or those who lost one parent.
- The aid will continue until the children turn 18 and complete their school education.
- In the first phase, 6,082 children are set to benefit from this scheme.
- The initiative is part of the state government’s ‘Thayumanavar’ programme, aimed at supporting the poor.
- He cited welfare measures such as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, aid for disabled and transgender persons, and support for children orphaned during COVID-19.
- Stalin stated that these initiatives are not vote bank politics but reflect the government’s duty to uplift marginalized people.
