Mahtari Dular Scheme 2025–26: Educational Support and Monthly Financial Assistance for Children Who Lost Parents Due to COVID-19

Published On: September 20, 2025

The Mahtari Dular Scheme 2025–26 is a targeted relief and education-support programme launched by the Government of Chhattisgarh to protect and assist children who lost one or both parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme recognises that the pandemic created a vulnerable cohort of minors who require steady financial support, uninterrupted access to schooling and protection services to safeguard their future. Under Mahtari Dular, eligible children receive monthly scholarships and a package of educational and welfare supports designed to ensure continuity of learning, basic material needs and social protection. This article explains the scheme in detail — objectives, benefits, eligibility, documentation, selection and distribution procedures, operational guidance for applicants and administrators, likely implementation challenges, and the expected social impact.

Dates and Important Timelines (2025–26)

Scheme Year: Mahtari Dular Scheme — Financial year 2025–26 (programme reference).
Application Medium: Offline applications are accepted at the District Education Officer (DEO) office in each district. Applicants should confirm local submission windows with the DEO as district-level intake dates may vary.
Disbursement Cycle: Benefits are provided on a monthly basis corresponding to the academic structure, once the application and verification process are complete.
Validity: The scheme targets children below 18 years of age and continues support while they remain eligible (i.e., until they complete class 12 or attain majority, depending on the scheme’s operational rules). Applicants are advised to check local district guidelines for precise timelines and cut-off dates.

Note: District Education Officers publish local schedules and submission deadlines; applicants should obtain the latest instructions from their DEO office.

Objectives of the Scheme

Mahtari Dular is purpose-built to address immediate and medium-term needs of children orphaned or semi-orphaned due to the pandemic. Its core objectives are:

Educational Continuity: Prevent school dropout by funding routine academic expenses and enabling children to remain enrolled from primary through higher secondary levels.
Financial Security: Provide a predictable, monthly stipend that eases household cash constraints and reduces the risk of child labour or forced discontinuation of studies.
Equal Opportunity: Ensure every eligible child—regardless of socio-economic background—has access to free education in both government and selected private schools where applicable.
Holistic Support: Supply material inputs (books, stationery), counselling and linkages to social protection services so children receive psychosocial and practical assistance.
Protection and Well-being: Create a safety net that protects vulnerable minors from exploitation and supports their emotional rehabilitation after bereavement.

Key Features of the Mahtari Dular Scheme

Target Group: Children (below 18 years) whose parent(s) or primary guardian died as a result of COVID-19.
Administrative Channel: Managed at the district level by the District Education Officer (DEO) with coordination across education and social welfare departments.
Application Mode: Offline applications submitted at the DEO office. Paper forms and submission guidelines are issued by the district.
Monthly Stipend: A fixed monthly scholarship is paid to eligible children; amounts vary by class (see next section).
Free Education Provision: Eligible children are entitled to free education in government schools and, where accessible under the scheme, in partner private schools.
Support Services: Distribution of educational materials (books, stationery), possible counselling and referrals for health or social services.
Documentation-based Eligibility: Benefit entitlement is confirmed through a set of prescribed documents (death certificate, identity, domicile, bank account details).
Local Verification: District authorities perform verification of claims — including document checks and, where required, field verification — before grant approval.
Bank Account Requirement: Parents/guardians must provide bank account details for benefit crediting; the scheme follows standard financial transfer protocols.

Scholarship Amount (Monthly Support)

The Mahtari Dular Scheme provides a monthly scholarship calibrated by school stage to meet the material and educational needs of the child:

Classes 1–5: ₹500 per month
Classes 6–8: ₹500 per month
Classes 9–10: ₹1,000 per month
Classes 11–12: ₹1,000 per month

These stipends are intended to cover school-related expenses such as books, stationery, transport and incidental costs that can otherwise become barriers to attendance. In addition to the monthly stipend, the scheme includes entitlement to free education and the distribution of school supplies through district channels.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered eligible for the Mahtari Dular Scheme 2025–26, applicants must satisfy the following fundamental conditions:

Residency: The child must be a permanent resident of Chhattisgarh. Proof of domicile will be required.
Age Limit: The beneficiary must be below 18 years of age at the time of application.
Cause of Bereavement: The applicant’s parent(s) or legal guardian must have died due to COVID-19. A valid death certificate citing cause or a government attestation of COVID-19 related death is necessary.
School Enrollment: The child should be enrolled in classes 1 to 12 (appropriate documentary evidence such as current school ID, admission letter or last mark sheet is required).
Application Channel: The application must be submitted offline at the District Education Officer’s office using the prescribed form and with complete documentation.

Important: Meeting the eligibility conditions is necessary but not automatically sufficient; beneficiaries undergo verification and approval by district authorities.

Reservation Policy

The basic programme brief provided does not specify separate reservation quotas beyond the primary eligibility (children affected by COVID-19 deaths). In practice, state schemes typically implement prioritisation to ensure the most vulnerable are reached first. For Mahtari Dular:

Primary Priority: Children who lost both parents to COVID-19 and children whose surviving caregiver is unable to support schooling would be prioritised during verification.
Standard Government Norms: Any specific reservation (for SC/ST/OBC categories or disability) will follow Chhattisgarh state government rules and district policies; applicants belonging to reserved categories should submit caste and disability certificates to claim applicable entitlements or prioritisation.
Disability Inclusion: If a child with disability qualifies, appropriate allowances and priority support will be accorded in line with inclusion principles.

If applicants require clarity on reservation or prioritisation, they should contact their District Education Officer for district-level guidance.

Distribution of Scholarships — How Benefits Are Delivered

The delivery process for Mahtari Dular benefits involves several steps that ensure transparent, accountable distribution:

Receipt of Application (DEO Office): The physical application and copies of required documents are submitted at the DEO’s office. An acknowledgement slip or receipt is issued.
Initial Screening: DEO staff checks for completeness — identity, death certificate, proof of residence, school enrollment and bank account details.
Verification: District officials verify documents and may carry out field checks where necessary (for example, verifying the school record or confirming residence).
Approval: On successful verification, the DEO approves the application and records the beneficiary in district benefit registers.
Benefit Registration: The child’s details and bank account are registered for the monthly stipend. Where the child lacks a bank account, the district will advise the guardian on opening one; payments typically require a formal bank account for secure crediting.
Monthly Disbursement: The stipend is disbursed monthly to the registered bank account or through a payment mechanism designated by the DEO. The district maintains records of transfers.
Material Support Distribution: Educational kits and stationery are issued periodically by the DEO office or through partnering schools/NGOs as per district arrangements.
Ongoing Monitoring: DEO and school authorities monitor attendance and continued eligibility; benefits may be continued as long as conditions are met.

Application Process (Step by Step)

Applying for Mahtari Dular is an offline process coordinated by the District Education Officer. The steps below provide a clear roadmap for applicants and guardians.

Step 1 — Obtain the Application Form

Visit the District Education Officer’s office in your district and request the Mahtari Dular application form. The DEO office staff will provide the latest version and the checklist of required documents.

Step 2 — Complete the Form Carefully

Fill out the form in clear block letters or type where facilities are available. Provide complete information about the child, deceased parent/guardian (name, date of death, whether COVID-19 was the cause), residential address, school admission details (class, school name), and legal guardian details if applicable.

Step 3 — Attach Required Documents

Attach self-attested photocopies of the following (originals should be produced for verification):

Identity proof of the child (Aadhaar card, school ID, birth certificate).
Death certificate of parent/guardian (showing cause where available) or official notification/attestation indicating COVID-19 as the cause.
Domicile/residence proof (ration card, voter ID of guardian, or local authority certificate).
Bank account details of the child/guardian (passbook first page or cancelled cheque) for direct payment.
Educational documents — current admission letter, school identity card or last mark sheet.
Any supporting documents requested by DEO (guardian affidavit if needed).

Step 4 — Submit the Form

Submit the completed form with attached documents at the DEO office. Request and keep an acknowledgement receipt with an application reference number.

Step 5 — Verification and Follow-Up

The DEO office will verify the documentation and may conduct follow-up checks (school verification, field visits). Maintain communication with the DEO or designated case officer and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Step 6 — Approval and Registration

Once approved, the child’s details are captured in the district beneficiary register and scheduled for monthly stipend disbursement. The applicant will be informed of the decision and the expected date of first payment.

Step 7 — Receipt of Benefits and Ongoing Compliance

The monthly scholarship is credited according to the district’s payment cycle. Continue to ensure the child remains enrolled and maintains attendance; report any changes (for example, if the child completes class 12, moves out of state, or if there is a change in guardian) to the DEO.

Documents Checklist (Concise)

Applicants must attach the following documents when submitting the Mahtari Dular application:

Child’s identity (Aadhaar/School ID/Birth certificate)
Parent/guardian death certificate (with cause indicated if possible)
Domicile/residence certificate (proof of Chhattisgarh residency)
Bank account passbook first page or cancelled cheque (child/guardian)
Current school enrollment proof — admission letter / ID card / last mark sheet
Any other certificates required by district authorities (caste/disability certificates, if applicable)

Tip: Always retain originals for inspection and submit only true, certified copies.

Implementation Arrangements and Institutional Roles

District Education Officer (DEO): Principal implementing agency at district level — issues forms, carries out verification, approves beneficiaries, disburses stipends, coordinates with schools and social welfare agencies.
Schools: Verify enrolment and attendance; provide academic records and facilitate distribution of stationery kits.
Social Welfare Departments: In cases requiring broader social protection (foster care, guardianship support, counselling), district social welfare officers coordinate referrals.
Banks/Post Offices: Receive stipend transfers; assist guardians and children in opening accounts if needed.
Community Organisations/NGOs: Where engaged, they can provide psychosocial support, supplementary learning and community monitoring.

Monitoring, Reporting and Grievance Redressal

Monitoring: DEO establishes monitoring frameworks to track enrolment, attendance and stipend disbursements. Schools submit periodic attendance reports to DEO.
Reporting: Districts maintain beneficiary registers and financial logs of monthly transfers, which are subject to audit by higher authorities.
Grievance Redressal: Applicants who face delays or rejections should approach the DEO office first. District offices generally operate a grievance desk or helpline where applications can be tracked, and complaints escalated. If unresolved, the matter may be referred to state education authorities.

Renewal, Continuation and Exit Rules

Continuation: Benefits typically continue each month for as long as the child remains eligible (i.e., is below 18 and enrolled). The district may require periodic re-verification (attendance record, school enrollment status).
Renewal after Interruption: If payments are halted due to lack of documentation or procedural issues, applicants may be required to re-submit missing documents for reinstatement.
Exit Conditions: Support ceases when the beneficiary reaches the age limit, completes class 12 (unless specified otherwise), or is found ineligible (for instance, if the death was not COVID-19 related and does not meet scheme criteria). Fraudulent claims result in cancellation and recovery of disbursed funds as per government rules.

Practical Tips for Applicants and Guardians

Obtain Certified Copies: Keep certified copies of the parent’s death certificate and the child’s identity documents ready before visiting the DEO office.
Open a Bank Account Early: Ensure the child or guardian has a bank account in the child’s or guardian’s name with correct IFSC details to avoid payment delays.
Keep School Records Updated: Maintain current school admission letters, fee receipts and attendance records; these expedite verification.
Follow Up Regularly: After submission, follow up through the DEO office and keep the acknowledgement number handy.
Request Counselling Support: If the child requires psychosocial support, ask the DEO for details of counselling services and local NGOs that provide trauma support.
Report Changes Promptly: Any change in residence, guardianship or school must be communicated immediately to avoid interruptions.

Potential Implementation Challenges and Mitigations

Challenge 1 — Documentation Gaps: Some bereaved families may lack formal death records or identity documents.
Mitigation: District authorities can accept alternate attestations (e.g., health department confirmations, local government certificates) and run a facilitation drive to help families obtain essential documents.

Challenge 2 — Banking Inclusion: Children or guardians may not have bank accounts, causing delays in stipend receipt.
Mitigation: Coordination with banks and post offices to open basic savings accounts under PMJDY-style schemes and to enable small-value DBT transfers.

Challenge 3 — Awareness and Access: Rural and remote families may be unaware of the scheme or unable to travel to DEO offices.
Mitigation: Mobile outreach camps, partnership with schools and Anganwadi workers to assist form collection and submission; district-level awareness drives.

Challenge 4 — Verification Delays: Extensive verification may slow approvals.
Mitigation: Streamline verification checklists, set target timelines for DEO action, and deploy dedicated case officers for Mahtari Dular applications.

Expected Social Impact

When implemented effectively, Mahtari Dular can generate important social outcomes:

Reduced School Dropouts: Monthly financial support and free education reduce the fiscal pressure that often forces children out of school.
Improved Learning Outcomes: Stabilised enrolment and provision of learning materials can improve academic performance.
Psychosocial Stability: Coupling financial aid with counselling and social services supports emotional recovery and resilience.
Gender and Social Equity: Ensuring access to education for bereaved girls and boys helps maintain progress toward inclusive education goals.
Long-term Economic Benefits: Continued education increases the likelihood of secondary and tertiary learning, unlocking better livelihood options and breaking cycles of poverty.