Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launches Ashirbad yojna for the Covid orphaned children

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced the launch of ‘Ashirbad’ yojna, under which the state government will provide monthly financial assistance to the children who have been orphaned due to COVID-19.

According to the State government sources, the children who have lost both of their parents or single parents will be provided a monthly assistance of Rs 2,500 up to the age of 18. Similarly, the children who have lost either their fathers or mothers due to Covid-19 pandemic will be provided a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500.

The amount will be transferred to the bank accounts of the guardians/ caretakers of the orphans till they attain the age of 18 years. The assistance will not be provided in case the child is adopted by someone.

The beneficiaries will be included under the state government’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana for availing free medical services, and Central/ State Food Security scheme.

The beneficiaries for the Ashirbad yojna will be selected by district child protection units, childlines, panchayats and block level committees. The care takers or relatives of the eligible children could apply before DCPU with the required death certificate to include the beneficiaries in the scheme.