Centre announces free education, Rs 10 lakh for kids who lost parents to COVID

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that children who lost their parents or guardians to the COVID-19 pandemic will be supported under the ‘PM CARES for Children’ scheme.

“Supporting our nation’s future! Several children lost their parents due to COVID-19. The Government will care for these children, ensure a life of dignity and opportunity for them. PM CARES for Children will ensure education and other assistance to children,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

According to the announcement, a fund of Rs 10 lakh will be created once the child turns 18 to support them financially till they reach 23 years of age. 

On reaching the age of 23 years, the child will get the amount as one lump sum for personal and professional use.

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The central government has also ensured free education for children and will assist them with higher education loan, the prime minister’s office said. The interest on the loan will be paid from PM CARES Fund.

“The measures being announced have only been possible due to the generous contributions to the PM CARES Fund which will support India’s fight against COVID-19,” Modi said.