
The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday announced a special package for children who have lost their parents to Covid-19. The package announced by Chief Minister M K Stalin comprises a deposit of Rs 5 lakh for children who lost both parents and Rs 3 lakh for those who lost one parent.
For children who have lost both their parents, the government said in a statement, “Beneficiaries will be receiving the cash benefit with interest when they turn 18.”
The statement said the government will sponsor the education of orphaned children by paying the tuition and hostel fees till they complete their graduation. Their admissions will be prioritised in government homes and hostels.
District-level special committees will monitor the disbursement of relief and the education of children.
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Children who have lost one parent “would receive Rs 3,000 per month towards maintenance till they turn 18 if they are under the care of relatives or guardians or in government homes or hostels”, the statement said. It said children with single parents also would be prioritised on welfare schemes of the state.
District collectors will head a task force to identify beneficiaries. Guidelines regarding the implementation of this announcement will be formulated soon by a committee headed by the state finance secretary and NGOs who already have a stake in such activities.
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