Indian Govt to take care of children who lost parents to COVID-19; free education and monthly stipend
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has announced a scheme to ensure the protection of children who have lost their parents or guardians due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“All children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian/adoptive parents due to COVID-19 will be supported under ‘PM-CARES for Children’ scheme,” a release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
A fixed deposit of ten lakh will be deposited in the child’s name in the bank till he or she reaches the age of 18. With this amount, a student between the ages of 18 and 23 will be given a monthly stipend that can be used for higher education or personal needs. The remaining amount will be paid on completion of 23 years of age. The education of children will be completely free, the release said.
If the child is under the age of ten, the government plans to educate him or her in a nearby Kendriya Vidyalaya or private school. The PM Cares Fund will cover fees, uniforms, and books.
If the child is above 10 years of age, he / she will be taught in residential schools like Sainik School and Navodaya. If there is a guardian to take care of the child, he or she will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school, and the cost will be borne by the government.
“The child will be assisted in obtaining education loan for professional courses/higher education in India as per the existing education loan norms. The interest on this loan will be paid by the PM CARES,” it said.
Scholarships equivalent to tuition fees will be offered to such students through Central or State Government schemes, while PM-CARES will provide an equivalent scholarship for children who are not eligible under the existing scholarship schemes.
Children up to the age of 18 would be covered by the AYUSHMAN BHARAT scheme, which would provide health insurance of Rs 5 lakh.
Announcing these measures, the Prime Minister said that children represent the future of the country and the country will do everything possible to support and protect the children.
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