The story so far: In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who lost their parents or a primary caregiver to the COVID-19 pandemic between March 11, 2020, and February 28, 2022. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released benefits under the scheme and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to providing a monthly stipend from the age of 18 years, a health cover of Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat and a lump sum of Rs 10 lakh when a child turns 23 years old. “If someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM CARES will help in that too,” the PM said at the virtual event.
The PM said arrangements are in place to provide Rs 4,000 every month to these children through other schemes for their daily needs. He also announced a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum for the students of Classes 1-12.
As of June 1, nearly 4,350 of the 9,042 who applied have benefitted from the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
