IT News
Imphal, May 30:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released benefits under PM CARES for Children Scheme today via video conference. Union Minister Smriti Irani, many other members of the Council of Ministers, and Chief Ministers were among those connected to the event.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh along with Ministers Th. Biswajit, L. Sushindro Meitei; MLAs L. Rameshwor Meitei, Sheikh Noorul Hassan, Th. Arunkumar; Secretary to Chief Minister Ningthoujam Geoffrey; Chairman Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Ph. Manibabu; DC Imphal East,. Khumanthem Diana; Director (Social Welfare). Ng. Uttam and other officials also attended the video conference from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Imphal. Beneficiaries below 18 years of age watched the webcast from a separate room.
Later, the Chief Minister handed over the benefits to selected children of the Imphal East district. Altogether 20 children of the State- 5 children from Imphal East, 3 from Imphal West, 3 from Bishnupur, 6 from Ukhrul, 1 from Senapati, 1 from Kangpokpi, and 1 from Churachandpur district received the benefits under PM Cares Children.
Benefits to be given to the beneficiaries include:
I. Financial Support: PM CARES for Children Scheme Passbook (Maturity Amount is 10 Lacs at the age of attaining 18 years of age)
II. Health Insurance: PM-JAY Health Card
III. Assistance for School Education: Admission to any Central Govt School;
Expenses on uniforms, textbooks and notebooks will be paid by PM-CARES; a Scholarship of Rs. 20,000/- per annum for children of Class 1-12.
IV. Assistance for Higher Education: Swanath Scholarship of Rs. 50,000/- per annum for technical education; KARMA Scholarship for skill.
V. Support for Boarding and Lodging: Under Child Protection Services, Rs. 4000/- per month w.e.f 1st April, 2022 for children staying with relatives.
VI. State specific benefits under Chief Ministergi Angangi Tenbang (Chief Minister’s Bal Seva):
A. Rs. 1500/- per month per child (Rs. 13,500/- released per child for nine months).
B. Laptop to school/college-going child who has passed Xth Board.
VII. COVID Ex-gratia Assistance of Rs. 50,000/- to next of kin.
The benefits under the scheme will ensure that the welfare and best interests of the COVID-affected children are protected till they attain the age of 23 years.