LUCKNOW: The state government has identified 4,050 children who lost both or one parent or guardians to Covid-19 since March 2020. These children will be given Rs 4,000 a month till they turn 18 years old while the government will also take care of their boarding, lodging, schooling etc.
The Bal Seva Yojana was formally launched by Governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday with a transfer of Rs 12,000 to the account of each child. Out of the 4,050 beneficiaries identified, 240 are those children who have lost both parents while 3,810 are those who have lost a parent or legal guardians to the pandemic.
The CM said that he has asked the women and child development department to also identify those children who have lost their parents to diseases other than Covid or for any other reason so that they, too, can get assistance from the state.
“During this period, some non-Covid deaths would have also taken place. As a government sensitive to its people, we have to ensure that no child is left without support. Therefore, I have asked the women and child development department to prepare a separate list of such children who have lost their parents to other issues as well. We are also identifying women who have lost their husbands, especially those who have been left without a source of income and will bring out a special scheme for them,” the CM announced.
Governor Anandiben Patel appealed to the public to step out and help with the rehabilitation of children who had been left without families. Commending the government for planning the life ahead of the Covid-affected children and not just transferring funds to them, the governor said that children needed someone to guide them.
“I have directed all universities to identify such students who don’t have parents and adopt them. This does not mean only taking care of their fees but starting a programme in which one teacher can take responsibility of one child each, call them home once a month, celebrate their birthdays and be there for them when the child needs guidance,” she said.
She added that UP has several such families who would like to come forward and take responsibility of such children.
Under the Bal Seva Yojana, the government will not just give Rs 4,000 a month to each child but also provide tablets or laptops to children in schools, colleges, or pursuing vocational education. Those children who are below the age of 10 years and have been orphaned will be housed in state government children’s homes. Currently, such homes are functional in Mathura, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Agra and Rampur.
Minor girls will be housed in Kasturba Gandhi Girls Schools run by the Centre or in children’s homes run by the state government. There are 13 such homes in the state. The government will also provide them with the facility to stay in the 18 upcoming Atal Residential Schools. The government will also provide financial assistance of Rs 1,01,000 for the marriage of girls.
