States approve 667 claims from Covid orphans

New Delhi, September 14

State governments have so far received 3,250 claims for government support to children orphaned due to Covid-19, and have granted approval in 667 cases and rejected 380.

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Top Union Government sources today said as of Tuesday, 667 orphaned children had been cleared by states to receive Central support — Rs 2,000 monthly stipend, which the Centre proposes to increase to Rs 4,000 soon; health care cover under PM Jan Arogya Yojana; and a promise of Rs 10 lakh once the child turns 23. “This is an ongoing process. We have received 667 approved claims in respect of children orphaned by Covid. More will come as verifications happen,” said a Women and Child Development Ministry functionary. Children orphaned due to Covid will be supported under PM Cares scheme. A joint account would be opened in the name of the child and a government functionary to ensure relatives do not squander benefits meant for children.

On rejections, sources said district-level verifications of every claim were made before approving a case. Under the scheme to support Covid orphans, the government has created an online PM Cares for Children portal where anyone can report an orphaned child. The state governments will verify claims and send final applications for approval to the WCD Ministry. — TNS