There’s no escaping facts: the country in the grips of the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, and experts are advising authorities to gear up for the third wave. Given the rampant spread of the newer mutations, we’re seeing a rising number of those infected with COVID-19, as well as an increase in the number of those who have succumbed to the virus. The rising toll has left countless families, particularly children, mourning the loss of family members, especially the breadwinners.
As a means to help, various state governments have decided to provide some amount of financial aid to children directly impacted by the pandemic. Following in the steps of Chhattisgarh and J&K, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Delhi are among the states providing financial aid.
On Thursday, the Kerala government announced a one-time financial assistance of ₹3 lakh for children whose parents succumbed to the virus. Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, also announced that a monthly amount of ₹2,000 will be provided to the children till they turn the legal age of 18 years. If that’s not all, the state government will also bear the cost of their education till degree-level.
For Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated during a press conference, that, “The educational expenses of the children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19 will be taken care of by the government.” The state will also provide the complete expense of the upbringing of those children along with providing them with free education.
According to an official statement, under the Mukhya Mantri Vatsalya Yojana scheme launched by the government of Uttarakhand, children who have lost their parents will be given a monthly allowance of ₹3,000 up to the age of 21.