The Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in. The applications of such children are uploaded on the portal by the respective State/UT Governments. As on 31.01.2022, 6624 applications have been uploaded on the portal out of which, 3855 applications have been approved as per due process. State/ UT-wise details are at Annexure-I.
The Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services (CPS) Scheme – Mission Vatsalya under which support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need of care and in difficult circumstances. The Child Care Institutions (CCIs) established under the CPS scheme support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc. As per the scheme guidelines, quantum of sponsorship of Rs.2000/- per child per month is available for Non-institutional Care of children in Need of Care and Protection and the provision for maintenance grant of Rs.2160/- per child per month for children living in Child Care Institution. The Ministry also shared advisories and guidelines for supporting states/UTs regarding Child Care Institutions, including providing vaccination for the eligible children residing there and also mental health support to children and care givers.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.