Guwahati, June 10: Synchronising with the completion of one month in the office of the present BJP led government in the state, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday dedicated Chief Minister Sishu Seva Scheme to the service of the beneficiaries and handed over the cheques of financial assistance to few beneficiaries who lost both their parents due to COVID.
It may be noted that under the Sishu Seva Scheme an amount to the tune of Rs 7,81,200 would be parked in the bank as a fixed deposit in the name of each beneficiary.
Monthly financial assistance of Rs 3500 which will be realised from the fixed deposit will be given to the beneficiaries till they attain 24 years of age. On completion of 24 years of age, the principal amount parked as a fixed deposit against each beneficiary would be credited to their bank accounts.
Fixed deposit of Rs 7.81 lakh to children who have lost their parents to #COVID19
Rs 3,500 per month from the FD
Benefit till the child attains 24 yrs of age pic.twitter.com/T99gaSXPEu
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) June 10, 2021
Dr Sarma announced the scheme on May 29 on the occasion of completion of 7 years of the Modi government in power and within 10 days of the declaration, financial assistances were transferred to the individual beneficiaries.
The Assam Chief Minister described the day as a very significant one because, on the occasion of completion of one month in power, the present State government could render its helping hands to the beneficiaries who lost both their parents due to COVID.
He also said that the scheme would help in enabling the beneficiaries to lead a life of dignity in spite of pecuniary hardship that fate might lead them to.
Under the scheme, the state government would give Rs 3500 per month per child including Central government support of Rs 2000.
For children below 10 years and adolescent girls with no guardian, the State government will take steps to house such children in one of the child care institutions and provide adequate funding towards their upkeep including educational expenditure. Orphaned adolescent girls will be given accommodation in suitable and reputed institutions to ensure their sensitive care and proper protection. One such institution is Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya residential schools.
Also Read: Assam government to replicate country’s civilian awards
Considering the marriage component of the scheme, the state government will extend- time financial package as marriage assistance. The government will give one tola of gold under the Arundhati scheme and an amount of Rs 50,000 to each girl.
For skill development and training, laptops or tablets will be provided to school or college going orphan for undergoing vocational training. All such students will be linked to skill-based education and provided with skill training.
Moreover, in another announcement, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said that for those women who have lost their husbands due to COVID, the State government would give Rs 2.5 lakh as one-time financial support from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Besides, the COVID induced widow will also be entitled to the benefits of the Arunodoi scheme along with monthly widow pension under the ongoing Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme.
