Punjab Announces Free Education, ₹1,500/Month For Children Orphaned Due To COVID-19

Mumbai: The Punjab government on Thursday has decided to provide Rs 1,500 per month as social security pension and free education up to graduation to all those children orphaned in the COVID pandemic, as well as families that have lost their breadwinning member, beginning July 1.

As in terms of an official statement, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said his government will ensure free education in government institutions for such children as well as kids belonging to families that have lost their breadwinner to COVID.

He said affected persons would also be eligible for a grant of ₹51,000 under the Ashirwaad Scheme from July 1, it would be entitled to free ration under the State Smart Ration Card Scheme and coverage under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana. The state government would also assist the affected family members to find a suitable job under Ghar Ghar Rozgaar te Karobaar Mission, he added.

The relief measures will be provided to orphans until they attain the age of 21 years. However, in the case of families whose breadwinner has died, the relief measures would be provided for an initial period of three years, after which their situation will be re-assessed, where the vulnerability continues to exist. The period may be appropriately extended, Mr Singh said.

Meanwhile, the chief minister has also announced the constitution of a monitoring committee, headed by the minister for social, security and women and child development, to review progress and relief measures for every single case.

Besides this, the committee would also coordinate with the departments concerned until the desired relief has been made available, he said.

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