‘Monthly aid to children who lost family to Covid’
NEW DELHI: Children who lost their parents to Covid-19 will receive a monthly stipend of ₹4,000, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an address to mark the occasion of the eighth anniversary of his government. The world is looking at India with hope as it becomes the fastest growing economy, he said.
The stipends will be given under the PM CARES for Children scheme launched on May 29 last year to support children who lost both their parents, legal guardian, adoptive parents or surviving parents to the Covid-19 pandemic between March 11, 2020, and February 28, 2022.
“I am talking to you not as your Prime Minister, but as a member of your family,” Modi told children affected by the pandemic through videoconferencing on Monday. “I know how difficult the situation is for people who have lost their family members during the Covid-19 pandemic. PM CARES for Children is a small effort to reduce the difficulties of such corona-affected children. It is also a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with the utmost sensitivity.”
“If anyone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM CARES will help in that too,” he said. “For other daily needs, arrangements have also been made for ₹4,000 every month for them through other schemes. Apart from ₹10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years, the children will be given health coverage through the Ayushman Card and emotional counselling through the samvad helpline for psychological and emotional help.”
A passbook of PM CARES for Children, and a health card
under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was given the attending children during the programme.
Modi highlighted how India relied on its strength during the toughest times of the pandemic. “We trusted our scientists, our doctors, and our youth. And, we came out as a ray of hope, not a worry for the world. We did not become the problem, but we came out as the solution giver,” the Prime Minister said. “We sent medicines, and vaccines to countries around the world.
Even in such a big country, we took the vaccine to every citizen.”
“Our country is moving as the fastest growing economy, and the world is looking towards us with new hope and faith,” Modi said.
The National Democratic Alliance led by Modi took oath of office on May 26, 2014. Union minister of women and child development Smriti Zubin Irani, other cabinet ministers and chief ministers of many states were present to mark the occasion.
Modi highlighted the achievements of his government over the past eight years.
“When our government is completing its eight years, the confidence of the country, the confidence of the countrymen in themselves is unprecedented. With corruption, scams worth thousands of crores, nepotism, terrorist organizations spreading across the country, and regional discrimination, the country is getting out of the vicious cycle in which it was trapped before 2014. This is also an example for you children that even the most difficult days too pass,” he said.
“Today, India’s pride has increased around the world, our India’s power has increased in global forums,” he added.
Referring to welfare programmes like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana or Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said the government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party is moving with the spirit of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.
“The last eight years have been devoted to the welfare and service of the poor,” he said. “As a member of the family, we have tried to reduce difficulties and improve the ease of living for the poor of the country.”
By increasing the use of technology, the government has ensured the rights of the poor, he noted. “Now the poorest of the poor are confident that they will get the benefit of the government’s schemes, (and) they will get it continuously,” he said. “To increase this trust, our government is now running a campaign of 100% empowerment.”