Survey to identify orphan children gets underway

Our Correspondent

Nurpur, February 24

A survey to identify orphan children up to the age of 18 years has been started in the Kangra district. The Women and Child Development Department is undertaking the exercise through anganwari workers across the district.

The state government has to disburse Rs 2,300 per month as financial assistance to orphan children living with their guardians. As per information, in the monthly disbursement, the state and Central Government contribute Rs 500 and Rs 1,800, respectively. This monthly financial succor is to be spent on their studies and daily needs and only children living with their relatives or guardians are eligible for this assistance.

According to Tilak Raj Acharya, district programme officer, Kangra, during a preliminary survey, 237 orphan children had been identified and the survey data would be maintained by his office. He said orphan children would be eligible for all benefits under the Juvenile Protection Scheme of the government and this scheme could be implemented effectively only after the completion of the survey. He said the authorities concerned had been asked to expedite and complete the exercise at the earliest.