However, there is the PM CARES for Children Scheme launched in May 2021 by the Prime Minister of India to support children who lost both parents or legal guardians due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about the PM CARES for Children Scheme:
Eligibility:
- Open to children who lost both parents or legal guardians/adoptive parents/surviving parent to COVID-19 pandemic between March 11, 2020, and the date of application.
- Age: Below 18 years on the date of death of parents.
- No income restrictions.
Benefits:
- Financial assistance of ₹10 lakh per child till they reach 23 years of age.
- An annual allowance of ₹20,000 per child, comprising:
- ₹1,000 monthly stipend.
- ₹8,000 annual academic allowance to cover expenses like fees, books, uniform, etc.
Application Process:
- The application window is always open. There’s no specific deadline.
- Applications can be submitted online through the PM CARES for Children portal: [https://pmcaresforchildren.in/] or offline at the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in the child’s district.
Documents Required:
- Death certificate of both parents/legal guardians/adoptive parents/surviving parent due to COVID-19.
- Child’s Aadhaar card and bank account details.
- Identity proof and address proof of the guardian.
Important Notes:
- This scheme is specifically for children who lost parents due to COVID-19.
- If you’re looking for scholarships based on other criteria, you can explore various government and private scholarship programs available in India. Some helpful resources include:
- National Scholarship Portal: [https://scholarships.gov.in/]
- vidyasaarathi.gov.in
- Padho Pradesh: [https://www.padhoप्रदेश.in/]
Remember to always rely on official government websites and verified sources for scholarship information.
