New Delhi, Feb 22: In a major development, the central government has extended the PM Cares for Children Scheme till 28th February 2022. Notably, the scheme was valid till 31st December 2021.

 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in a statement, said, "A letter in this regard has been written to all Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries, Women and Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment Department of all States and UTs with a copy to all District Magistrates/District Collectors for necessary action."

 

 

This development means that all eligible children can now be enrolled till February 22 to avail benefits of PM CARES for Children Scheme. The scheme covers all children who have lost - i) Both parents or ii) Surviving parent or iii) legal guardian/adoptive parents/single adoptive parent due to COVID 19 pandemic, starting from 11.03.2020 the date on which WHO has declared and characterized COVID-19 as pandemic till February 28, 2022. To be entitled to benefits under this scheme, child should not have completed 18 years of age on the date of death of parents.

 

On May 29, 2021, PM Narendra Modi had announced comprehensive support for children who have lost both their parents due to COVID 19 pandemic. The objective of the scheme is to enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age.

 

 

The PM CARES for children scheme inter-alia provides support to these children through convergent approach, gap funding for ensuring education, health, monthly stipend from the age of 18 years, and lump sum amount of Rs. 10 lakhs on attaining 23 years of age.

 

 

The scheme is accessible through the online portal https://pmcaresforchildren.in . All states and UTs have now been asked to identify and register the eligible children on the portal. Any Citizen can inform the administration regarding a child eligible for support under this scheme through the portal.