42 kids in Karnataka lost both parents due to Covid-19

Bengaluru: According to a preliminary government survey, 811 children in Karnataka have lost at least one parent due to Covid-19 since March last year and 42 children have lost both parents. Five kids are below seven and the rest are between 10-18 years of age. 22 have siblings.

The survey was conducted by the women and child welfare department. The process will be continued to seek such children and they will be provided benefits under the CM’s ‘Bala Seva’ scheme. The government has promised to provide Rs 35,000 monthly cash assistance to the patent or guardian.

Officials working on the scheme said that there might be a delay in it as finer points related to it were being finalised. A senior official said, “We are currently in the process of finalising guidelines of the scheme. Once they are ready, we will roll it out. There is a delay because the government is yet to decide how long cash assistance should be given to guardians and the quantum of aid in case of children with siblings.”

However, Anjum Parvez, principal secretary of the women and child welfare department said that the guidelines had been worked out. He added, “The guidelines are ready, and the government order in this regard will be issued in a day or two.”

CM BS Yediyurappa said that children with no guardians or relatives will be placed in residential schools and given free education, food and accommodation. Those who have passed SSLC will be given free laptops and tablets to pursue higher education. Women above 21 years will be provided onetime assistance of Rs 1 lakh, which can be used for higher education, self-employment and marriage.