The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many households in the state leaving children orphaned. Considering this, the state government has taken up the initiative to help, support and nourish such children. This service will also include children orphaned due to reasons other than the pandemic. As per the report, a detailed plan for the initiative is being curated by the authorities. The move is aimed at providing children with quality education, nutritional food and appropriate housing facilities.
Children to receive a fixed monthly support amount
Despite the unfortunate events being irreversible, the state government is now driven to provide these children with all the facilities that ensure a brighter and more successful future. Under the programme, each orphan child will be eligible to receive ₹5,000 per month and free of cost food grains.
About 53 children listed under the Mukhyamantri COVID Baal Seva Yojna are already getting these benefits. 48 of these 53 children are also getting free junior and higher education. The city administration has also been paying for the education of 418 children in Indore since the pandemic.
Similarly, a corpus fund of ₹10 lakh per child has also been established under the Pradhan Mantri CARES for Children scheme. The fund will be made available to these children according to their needs up until the age of 23 years. Additionally, the scheme will also ensure, medical and health benefits to the children in need.
Various organisations and local people have come forward to help support children with needs. 224 children who have lost just one parent to the pandemic are being given a year of free education. Many organisations like NGOs, businesses, industries, etc. are also working together to provide these children with a monthly support amount of ₹2,000.
