Modi releases PM CARES benefits for ‘COVID orphans’

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Last Updated01/06/2022

PM launched a series of welfare measures for children who have lost their parents or guardians to Covid, including financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh, a dedicated helpline, and health cover of Rs 5 lakh through Ayushman cards.

Benefits Ensured:
- The Rs 10 lakh assistance will be in the form of investment.
  - The returns given to beneficiaries in form of a monthly stipend between the ages of 18 and 23.
  - The entire amount is handed over when they attain the age of 23.
- Annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 for school students and monthly financial support of Rs 4,000 for daily needs.
- Can avail loans for higher education and professional courses.
Eligibility: Children who lost to Covid between March 11, 2020 and February 28, 2022:
- Both their parents,
- Only surviving parent,
- Legal guardian or adoptive parents
Single window clearance: through pmcaresforchildren.in portal
- Data available on the portal show that 9,042 applications have been received under the programme with 4,345 of them already approved.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 1,53,827 children in India are affected due to COVID.

Ensure uninterrupted education of the children and their admissions in government or private schools near their homes.
- Expenses will be borne through PM CARES
Ensure availability of emotional support and mental guidance to the victims.
- A special ‘Samvad’ service has also been started for this. On the ‘Samvad Helpline’, children can consult, discuss with experts on psychological matters
Ensure Health support through Ayushman cards.