SRINAGAR: To extend a helping hand to the families that lost their breadwinners to Covid-19, J&K Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday rolled out Special Assistance Scheme for Covid Mortalities under which scholarship and pensionary support will be provided.
A total of 4,323 persons have died of Covid in J&K to date. The social welfare department has so far identified 512 beneficiaries for the scheme. “The J&K government is committed to supporting children who lost their parents in this pandemic.
The administration, as guardian, will take all necessary steps for their well-being and education, so they can have a bright future,” the L-G said, launching the scheme. The administration would also reach out with financial assistance to the families that are willing to start their own business or other venture for self-employment, besides imparting training and providing market linkages to them, he added.
Under SASCM, a cash assistance of `1,000 per month shall be provided to the spouse or eldest member of the family. The government will also provide an annual scholarship of `20,000 to school students and `40,000 to college students orphaned by the pandemic.
According to Sinha, a family in distress shall be eligible for a scholarship for two children, if they are not getting any other scholarship. Besides, the benefits of other social schemes will be extended to the families. A special cell will track and facilitate benefits under existing welfare schemes which the families may be eligible for.
Courtesy – Indian Express
