In a significant decision, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the Father’s Day on Sunday announced an ‘Ashirbad’ scheme, under which the State Government would provide monthly financial assistance to the children who have been orphaned due to Covid-19.
Rs 2,500 per month would be provided to the children who have lost both parents/single parent and Rs 1,500 per month to those who have lost earning parent due to Covid-19 on or after April 1, 2020.
The amount would be transferred to the bank accounts of the guardians/ caretakers of the orphans till they attain the age of 18 years. The assistance would not be provided in case the child is adopted by someone. These beneficiaries would be included under the State Government’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana for availing free medical services and also under the Central/ State Food Security schemes.
The State Government would facilitate continuation of these orphans’ education at their respective schools. If required, assistance would be provided for studying in Adarsh Vidyalayas and Central Schools. The children would be assisted for their higher education under the Green Passage scheme of the State Government.
Pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana/ Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana and benefits under other government schemes would be approved to the orphans’ guardians/ caretakers on a priority basis.
If the children stay at childcare institutions, an amount of Rs 1,000 per month would be deposited in their bank account as recurring deposit till they attain 18 years of age.
For those who have lost their earning parent, Rs 1,500 per month would be transferred to the bank account of their living parent till they attain 18 years. Mothers of such children, if eligible for Madhu Babu Pension Scheme, would be provided the pension.
The District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Childlines, block and panchayat-level committees and frontline workers would identify the children and prepare their list. The guardians/ caretakers can also approach the DCPUs with the children’s death certificate to avail the benefit under the scheme.