Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched ‘Ashirbad’ yojna for the children, who lost their parents to COVID-19.
Children, who have lost their mother, father or both, will be benefited under the scheme.
As per the announcement, the children who have lost both of their parents or single parents will be provided a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 up to the age of 18. Similarly, Rs 1500 per month will be provided to those who have lost earning parent due to COVID-19 on or after April 1, 2020.
The amount will be transferred to the bank accounts of the guardians/ caretakers of the orphans till they attain the age of 18 years. The assistance will not be provided in case the child is adopted by someone.
The beneficiaries will be included under the state government’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana for availing free medical services, and Central/ State Food Security scheme.
The continuation of their education will be facilitated at their respective schools. If required, assistance will be provided for studying in Adarsh Vidyalayas and Central Schools.
The children will be assisted for higher education under Green Passage scheme of the state government.
Pucca houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana/ Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana and benefits under other government schemes will be approved to the guardians/ caretakers on priority basis.
If such children stay at childcare institutions, an amount of Rs 1000 per month will be deposited in their bank account as recurring deposit till they attain 18 years of age.
Mothers of such children, if eligible for Madhu Babu Pension Scheme, will be provided pension.
The beneficiaries for the Ashirbad Scheme will be selected by district child protection units, childlines, panchayats and block level committees. The care takers or relatives of the eligible children could apply before DCPU with the required death certificate to include the beneficiaries in the scheme.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the officials to take necessary steps so that a single beneficiary will not be excluded from the scheme. Every year Collectors of all the districts will launch a special drive to identify the real beneficiaries.
