Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that colours of happiness will be filled in the lives of children who lost their parents due to Covid or other reasons.
While the state government implemented "Mukhya Mantri Covid-19 Bal Seva Yojna" to provide financial assistance every month to such children below the age of 18 years, many children were not eligible even after getting the benefit of this scheme. Mukhya Mantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana has been started for the care and protection of such children.
Chouhan said that it is my duty as the first Sevak of the state to participate in festivals with such children, so that children can forget the sad moments of life by celebrating these festivals with joy. Chouhan said that I want children to keep smiling and have a bright future. The state government is working for this purpose. Chouhan celebrated Deepawali at the CM's residence with the children who lost their parents during the Covid period in the Deepotsav-2022 programme today.
The Chief Minister said that Mukhya Mantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana has been prepared for such sons and daughters, which will be useful for the higher education and career of these children. The scheme will boost the self-confidence of the children. He said that sports and cultural competitions will also be held for children. The best performing children will be awarded with prizes. Those who perform well in studies will also be rewarded. Chouhan gave instructions to the Additional Chief Secretary, Woman and Child Development Department, Ashok Shah in this regard. Chouhan said that instructions have been given to all the collectors of the state regarding the implementation of Mukhya Mantri Bal Ashirwad Yojna.
Chouhan said that if these children are admitted in medical or engineering colleges, then the government will make arrangements to pay their fees. The Department of Women and Child Development will take full care of the children. Instructions have been given to the officials in this regard till the district level. No eligible child will be deprived of the benefits of the scheme.
The Chief Minister told the children that you are not alone, we are with you. Full care will be taken of the children who have lost their parents in Covid. Chouhan asked children to work hard and study diligently. Even if you get admission in any college, do not worry about the fees, the government will pay the fees. Life cannot go on if we stop. Forget what has passed and take inspiration to move on. We should not panic. Life never stops. He who continues to walk in the journey crosses hurdles. Madhya Pradesh government is with such children. Won't let you be alone at any moment.
Such children, who have become 18 years old and released from child care institutions, will be benefitted by this scheme by the Madhya Pradesh government. Under the scheme, there is a provision to provide financial and educational support to boys and girls above the age of 18 years. Children residing continuously for five years in child care institutions including the year of release date under after care will be eligible.
Under the sponsorship, orphan children below the age of 18 years, who are living under the care of relatives or guardians and do not qualify under Mukhya Mantri Covid-19 Bal Seva Yojana, will be eligible. There is a provision of financial assistance of Rs 4,000 per month in sponsorship. In the assistance given in after care, employment will be made available by giving the benefit of internship.
During the period of internship, a monthly assistance of Rs.5,000 will be given for a maximum period of one year.
There is also a provision for vocational training in the scheme.
Free vocational training will be given in government institutions in polytechnic diploma, ITI, paramedical courses, nursing, hotel management, tourism, Prime Minister and Chief Minister skill development programme. 5 thousand will be given every month for a maximum of two years during the training period. A provision has been made to bear the payable fees by the government to a certain extent for the children who have received education on the basis of entrance examinations in NEET, JEE or CLAT and Rs. 5 thousand per month for livelihood expenses. The State Government will bear the fees prescribed by the Fee Regulatory Commission for the duration of the course. Category-wise assistance to care leavers entering government and non-government institutions will be determined by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary. The Health Department will also make Ayushman card for medical assistance. To take advantage of the scheme, the District Programme Officer of the Women and Child Development Department has to be contacted.