Panel approves pension, other benefits to 40 Covid-hit children in Jalandhar district

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 28

A district-level committee headed by Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori on Wednesday approved pension benefits to 40 Covid-hit children who have lost either one or both parents due to the disease.

Presiding over a review meeting, the DC asked officials to ensure coverage of all children under the welfare schemes of the government. He added that such children are entitled for free education till graduation, benefits under Smart Ration Card scheme, Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna, employment opportunities for third family members, and a monthly pension worth Rs 1,500. He said in case of death of the breadwinner of a family, the employment opportunities to be given to the husband/wife of the deceased.

So far, 40 cases have been received by the administration and district social security officer has been asked to immediately start monthly pension to all the children. Besides, their education and nourishment will be taken care of.

The eligible beneficiaries could directly call the DSSO office and DCPO office at their phone numbers 0181-2258199, 0181-2459634, 9914586494 for assistance. The DC asked officials to accord top priority to deliver benefits of welfare schemes to Covid-19 hit children as any kind of laxity in this task would be dealt strictly. Various departments have been directed to rope in anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and other field staff to cover maximum beneficiaries under the scheme.