Government portal for children orphaned by Covid-19

Context : The government has introduced a portal to all the States and Union Territories for children orphaned by COVID-19. Any citizen can inform the administration regarding a child eligible for support under this scheme through the portal

About PM-CARES for Children

The Central government has announced the “PM-CARES for Children” scheme for all those children orphaned due to Covid-19.

What are the features of the Scheme?

Corpus of Rs. 10 Lakh:

• A corpus of Rs. 10 lakh will be allocated to each of these children from the PM CARES fund.
• It will provide a monthly stipend from 18 years of age. 
• On attaining 23 years, he/she will get the corpus amount.

Education to the Children (under 10 years):

• Ensure admission to Kendriya Vidyalayas/ private schools.
• PM CARES will pay for the uniform textbooks and notebooks
• If the child is admitted in a private school the fees as per the RTE norms will be provided.

Education to the Children (11-18 years):

The child will be given admission in any Central Government 

Residential School

In case the child is to be continued under the care of guardian, he/she will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya/private school

Higher education:

• Provision of either a scholarship equivalent to the tuition fees/ educational loans. 
• Interest on the loan will be paid by the PM-CARES fund.

Health Insurance:

• All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme 
• The premium amount will be paid by PM-CARES till a child turns 18.

News Source: The Hindu