Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Children Homes is a Tamil Nadu state scheme that gives a safe home to destitute, deserted, and abandoned children. The Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department runs these children homes and provides free schooling, nutritious food, clothing, secure shelter, and medical care so that children can grow up with dignity.
As of August 2026, the scheme is open for fresh admission in Tamil Nadu. Parents and guardians apply offline through the District Social Welfare Officer, Extension Officer (SW), or Rural Welfare Officer (Women) offices, and admission depends on the child's situation and the family's annual income.
Introduction
Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Children Homes was started by the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department of the Tamil Nadu government in memory of Sathya Ammaiyar. The homes take in children who are destitute, deserted, or abandoned, and children of single parents, ailing parents, prisoners, or parents who are severely differently-abled. Boys are admitted up to the 5th standard, while girls can stay from 5 to 18 years, and girls who lost both parents can stay up to 21 years for higher studies.
The department runs these children homes across the districts through the District Social Welfare Officers. Once admitted, a child gets accommodation, food, education, uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, footwear, bedding, and medical care. The total annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Children Homes |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department |
| Application Mode | Offline |
Benefits
Children admitted to the Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Children Homes receive complete care while they study. The main benefits are given below.
- Food and secure accommodation: Children get regular meals and a safe place to stay inside the children home.
- Education and study materials: The scheme covers ongoing education, uniforms, free textbooks, notebooks, and other study support.
- Health and daily needs: Medical facilities, chappals, and bedding are provided so children stay healthy and comfortable.
Eligibility
To get admission into these children homes, the child and family should meet the conditions fixed by the department.
- The child must be destitute, deserted, or abandoned.
- The total annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000.
- Boys are eligible for admission up to the 5th standard.
- Girls aged 5 to 18 years are eligible. For girls who have lost both parents, the age limit extends up to 21 years for higher studies.
- Children with a single parent, children of ailing parents or prisoners, and children whose parents are severely differently-abled and cannot provide care are also eligible.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest District Social Welfare Officer, Extension Officer (SW), or Rural Welfare Officer (Women) office during office hours and collect the Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Orphanage application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the details of the child, parent or guardian, family income, and current class, and attach the required certificates listed in the form.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application along with the supporting documents to the office of the District Social Welfare Officer or the relevant local Social Welfare Officer.
STEP 4 - Ask for an official acknowledgment receipt on submission. This receipt serves as proof and shows the date and time of the application.
Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before visiting the office, as listed in the official application form.
- Destitute, widow, or deserted certificate issued by the Tahsildar.
- Income certificate issued by the Tahsildar, with family annual income not exceeding ₹24,000.
- Date of birth certificate or school transfer certificate, or age certificate certified by a government doctor.
- Physical fitness certificate from a government doctor and two passport size photos of the child.
References
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu
Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Orphanage Application Form PDF
FAQ's
What is the main aim of the Sathya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Children Homes scheme?
The main aim is to give education, free food, secure shelter, clothing, and medical care to destitute, deserted, and abandoned children in Tamil Nadu.
What support is provided under this scheme?
The scheme covers accommodation, education, uniforms, free textbooks, notebooks, footwear, bedding, and medical facilities.
Are there special conditions for girls under this scheme?
Yes, girls who have lost both parents can stay in the children home until they turn 21 so that they can complete higher studies.
Who should be contacted for more information?
Contact the Superintendent of the Government Children Home, the District Social Welfare Officer, or the local Extension or Rural Welfare Officer.
Is there a specific time limit for sending applications?
The department suggests sending applications before the start of the new academic year so that admission can be completed on time.
What should be done if there are grievances about the scheme?
Report the grievance to the District Collector or the District Social Welfare Officer. At the state level, contact the Director of Social Welfare, Chepauk, Chennai at 044-28545728.
Can boys stay in the children home after the 5th standard?
No, the scheme currently allows boys admission only up to the 5th standard.
What is the income limit for eligibility?
The total annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000.