No financial aid for Covid orphans since March; to be resolved soon: Official

Rourkela: More than 50,000 children across Odisha, including 1,581 in Sundargarh district, who lost either one or both parents to Covid-19, have allegedly not received financial assistance under the Ashirbad scheme since March.The scheme, launched in 2021 to support children affected by the pandemic, provided monthly assistance ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500. The stoppage in assistance has left single parents and relatives caring for orphaned children facing financial difficulties.Under the scheme, children who lost both parents are entitled to Rs 2,500 per month, while those who lost a parent who was the family’s breadwinner receive Rs 1,500 per month until they attain the age of 18 years.Sundargarh district child protection officer Sribanta Jena confirmed the disruption in payments. “The money under the Ashirbad scheme has not been credited to beneficiaries’ accounts in the district since March. We have beeing following up the matter,” Jena said.A govt official said the proposal to continue the scheme for another five years has been placed before the expenditure finance committee (EFC) for approval.

“The matter is under consideration and is expected to be resolved soon. Beneficiaries will receive the pending assistance after approval,” the official added.The financial assistance is transferred to the guardian’s bank account in case of an orphaned child, while children living in childcare institutions receive support through recurring deposits and institutional care. District child protection units are mandated to monitor the wellbeing of beneficiaries and remain in touch with their families or guardians.