Team Herald
PANJIM: Five children from Goa are among 3855 children orphaned during COVID-19 pandemic and provided benefits under the PM CARES for Children scheme till now.
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This information was given by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The Goa government had submitted eight applications of children orphaned after their parents succumbed to COVID-19 pandemic as eligible for the financial assistance under the PM Cares for children scheme. Of these five applications were approved by the Centre.
As on January 31, 2022, a total of 6624 applications have been uploaded on the portal out of which, 3855 applications have been approved as per due process.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing a Centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme – Mission Vatsalya under which support is provided to States and UT governments for delivering services for children in need of care and in difficult circumstances.
The Child Care Institutions (CCIs) established under the CPS scheme support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc.
As per the scheme guidelines, quantum of sponsorship of Rs 2000 per child per month is available for Non-institutional Care of children in Need of Care and Protection and the provision for maintenance grant of Rs 2160 per child per month for children living in Child Care Institution.
The Ministry also shared advisories and guidelines for supporting States/UTs regarding Child Care Institutions including providing vaccination for the eligible children residing there and also mental health support to children and care givers.
