MUMBAI: Siblings Asmita (14) and Shrishail (12) Mhamane from Pandharpur are among the over 300 Covid orphans who have received Rs 5 lakh in the form of a fixed deposit from the state government, which they can claim when they turn 21. But the family is worried about the children’s present precarious situation.
“The financial assistance given by the government will help Asmita and Shrishail in the future, but at the moment we are more worried about their present. Their father, Shivling (39), was the sole breadwinner and with his passing away we are faced with rising debt,” said Kailas, their uncle and guardian.
Shivling (39), a farmer, succumbed to Covid-19 in May after a brief hospital stay leaving behind a debt of Rs 60,000 taken by his family for his treatment. His wife, Yogini, initially tested negative, but later developed pneumonia and passed away eight days after him.
Kailas is keen that Asmita and Shrishail, who study in a local government school, continue their education. The state has also waived the education fee of students who have lost their parents to Covid-19.
“Although the scheme of disburing Rs 5 lakh in FDs is only applicable for children who have lost both their parents, the state government is giving Rs 1,100 per month under a child welfare scheme to those who have lost even one parent to the pandemic. This is being done to extend support to these families,” said a senior state official. In Maharashtra, more than 1,000 children have lost both their parents. Till date, Rs 15.3 crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of 306 children; the remaining 600-700 children will be covered in the next few days, said the official.
This government aid is keeping alive the dreams of Solapur siblings Mehak (17) and Mazhar Mashale (16), who want to study medicine and hotel management, respectively. The two collegians said the funds will be of great help to them.
“My mother was a schoolteacher and father a small-time businessman,” said Mehak. “My mother caught the infection first and later dad also showed Covid symptoms. After staying in hospital for over 10 days, both of them passed away.” The siblings have moved in with their maternal brother, who has also taken up the responsibility of their education. “When our parents passed away, I didn’t know whether we would be able to continue with our education. I want to be a doctor and the government aid will help achieve my dream,” Mehak said.
Vijay Khomane, women and child development officer of Solapur district, said the state government wants to help Covid orphans in these trying times. “We want to ensure that they do not discontinue their education and their basic needs can be fulfilled,” he added.
