Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 unveiled benefits for children who lost their parents to COVID-19 under the PM Cares for Children programme. The Prime Minister said ₹4,000 per month has been organised for these children through other programmes for other daily needs.
“I know how difficult the situation is for people who have lost their family members during the Covid-19 pandemic. This programme is for the children who lost their parents during the pandemic. PM CARES for Children Scheme is an attempt to such children,” Narendra Modi said.
The Prime Minister announced that youth between the ages of 18 and 23 would get a stipend every month. Once they turn 23, they will get ₹10 lakh, he added.
The fund will also provide vocational courses and education loans for higher education. Children also get a Lifetime Health Card through PM Cares for Children to get free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
“Those who left us untimely, today this fund is being used for their children, for the future of all of you,” he said.
The government launched the initiative on May 29, 2021 to support children who have lost a parent, legal guardian, adoptive parent or surviving parent in Covid-19 from March 11, 2020 to February 28, 2022.