Boost for Covid-hit children: From Rs 10 lakh to health cover

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In a video address to announce the initiative, Modi also said that the Government’s eight years has led to “incredible” self-belief among people, and pulled the country out of a “vicious cyle” of corruption, nepotism, terrorism and regionalism. He went on to list flagship schemes “dedicated to the welfare of the poor”, such as Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ujjwala and Har Ghar Jal.

“Our countrymen have given their hard-earned money to PM CARES — some have donated their entire life’s savings, some have donated what they saved up for their dreams. This fund helped us in preparing the hospitals, buying ventilators, setting up oxygen plants during the Corona period. Many lives could be saved because of this; the future of many families could be saved. And, for those who left us in an untimely manner, today this fund will be used for their children, for the future of all of you,” Modi said.

The Covid initiative for children will be open to those who lost both their parents, only surviving parent, legal guardian or adoptive parents to Covid between March 11, 2020 and February 28, 2022.

According to officials, the Rs 10 lakh assistance will be in the form of an investment with the returns given to beneficiaries in form of a monthly stipend between the ages of 18 and 23, and the entire amount handed over when they attain the age of 23.

The Prime Minister said the benefits also include an annual scholarship of Rs 20,000 for school students and monthly financial support of Rs 4,000 for daily needs.

To avail the benefits, the names of affected children need to be registered on the portal pmcaresforchildren.in — it will also act as a single-window system for approvals. 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 data compiled by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the number of children affected due to Covid in India is 1,53,827. This data, however, is not restricted to “Covid orphans” alone.

“I am satisfied that for uninterrupted education of the children, their admissions have already been done in government or private schools near their homes. The expenses of copy books and uniforms of such children will also be borne through PM CARES,” Modi said.

“Amidst all these efforts, we realise that at times children may also need emotional support and mental guidance. A special ‘Samvad’ service has also been started for this. On the ‘Samvad Helpline’, children can consult, discuss with experts on psychological matters,” he said.

Speaking about support through Ayushman cards, the Prime Minister urged the children to take up various activities to stay healthy. “Life should be about health, not treatment. Today Fit India and Khelo India campaigns are going on in the country for children. You should join, lead all these campaigns. There is also Yoga Day in a few days. Along with your studies, yoga should also be a part of your life,” he said.

Referring to the pandemic, the Prime Minister said India had emerged stronger and helped the world as well. “We trusted our scientists, our doctors and our youth. And, we emerged as a ray of hope, not a worry for the world. We did not become the problem but we came out as the solution provider. We sent medicines and vaccines to countries around the world. Even in such a big country, we took the vaccine to every citizen,” he said.

Towards the end of his address, Modi spoke about eight years of the NDA Government. “Today, as our Government completes its eight years, the confidence of the country, the confidence of its people in themselves is incredible. Corruption, scams worth thousands of crores, nepotism, terrorist organisations spreading across the country, regional discrimination, the vicious circle in which the country was trapped before 2014, it is now coming out of it,” he said.