Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
GS II-Schemes
Why in News?
The Central Government extended the PM CARES for Children Scheme until 28th February 2022, providing vital support to children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Scheme
- Launched on: 29th May 2021
- Aim: To provide comprehensive care, protection, and long-term support to children who lost parents, legal guardians, or adoptive parents due to COVID-19.
Beneficiary Statistics (as of 2022):
- Total affected children: 1,47,492
- Lost one parent: 1,36,910
- Orphaned: 10,094
- Abandoned: 488
- Gender Breakdown:
- Boys: 76,508
- Girls: 70,980
- Transgender: 4
Key Features of the Scheme
Financial Support
- A corpus of ₹10 lakh will be allocated to each beneficiary from the PM CARES Fund.
- Monthly stipend from age 18 to 23.
- On turning 23, the entire corpus is given as a lump-sum for personal/professional use.
Education
- Admission to Kendriya Vidyalayas or private schools till higher secondary level.
- For higher education:
- Scholarships equivalent to tuition fees.
- Option for educational loans, with interest borne by PM CARES Fund.
Health Insurance
- Enrolment under Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Health cover of ₹5 lakh till 18 years of age.
- Premiums covered by PM CARES Fund.
About the PM CARES Fund
- A public charitable trust created to respond to emergency/distress situations like COVID-19.
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
- Other members: Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister.
- Contributions to PM CARES Fund qualify as CSR expenditure under the Companies Act.
Other Key Child-Centric Initiatives During COVID-19
- Bal Swaraj Covid-Care Portal
- Developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
- Tracks children in need of care and protection during COVID-19.
- Enables real-time monitoring and digital tracking.
- PM e-VIDYA
- Launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in May 2020.
- Integrates all efforts of digital/online/on-air education.
- Part of One Nation One Digital Platform to ensure multi-modal education access.
- Manodarpan
- Provides mental health support to:
- Students
- Teachers
- Parents
- Offers psychosocial assistance through helplines and online resources.