Lucknow: At the age of only 14 years, Suhani Raikwar had changed the motherly figure for her younger siblings.
Meera’s mother had given up on cancer in 2019, while their Bablu Father, a daily wage worker, died of suspected Covid-19 infection in 2020 at home in Lalitpur.
Staying in a 10 x 40 foot warehouse in Chaukabagh, the three minors were abandoned by their relatives, forcing them out of school.
Suhani took the work of a waiter, washing equipment and cleaned the house, to arrange food for himself and his two siblings.
Likewise, the 25-year-old Fareen of Nadipura Mohalla in Lalitpur lost her husband Jamaal in December 2020 amid Covid pandemic.
Jamaal was a photographer and after his death, Fareen was forced out of his in-laws’ house with his five-year-old son of Mishab.
Both Suhani and Mishab did not have evidence to determine that their father died for Covid-19.
Toi has highlighted the difficulties faced by orphans in various reports since May 2021.
Taking knowing such cases, the government has released funds to be distributed among 1,200 ‘non-covid’ orphans under Mukhyamantri Bal Vikas Yojana (weapon) .
Manoj Rai, Director of the Department of the Government of Women and Children (WCD), said, “Of the 1,315 registered non-covid applications, we have agreed to disbursed funds to 1,200 accounts.
Every orphan of non-covid will receive Rs 2,500 per month until the age of 18 years .
The remaining application will be approved soon after supervision.
“According to the ministry, on Tuesday afternoon, 115 applicants including siblings and Suhani fog had received funds in their bank account.
Children’s rights activists based in Lalitpur Chandan Singh Ahirwar, who have helped Sukani, said, “A total of Rs 15,000 have come to Praveen Bank accounts (12) and Pradeep (10): Two brothers Suhani.
However, Suhani did not receive such funds Under the scheme, only two children per family who will receive this assistance.
“The government’s order states that a maximum of two orphans from each family will be paid at 2,500 per month until they reach the age of 18.
However, under the scheme for orphans, there is no limit to children per family to receive government assistance.
Data from the ministry revealed that from 8,492 Covid orphans, 6,068 had received Rs 4,000 per month.
Under the non-covid category, 115 has received Rs 2,500 per month.
“The stories by TOI in non-covid orphans make a massive impact because many are advanced to seek help.
The government has tried to help as much as possible orphans affected by a pandemic,” Rai added.