BENGALURU: A preliminary government survey has revealed that 811 children in Karnataka have lost at least one parent to Covid-19 since March last year and 42 both parents.
Five kids are aged below seven, while the rest are 10 to 18 years old.
Twenty two have siblings.
The women and child welfare department has conducted the survey.
The process of identifying such children will continue and the affected minors will be provided benefits under the chief minister’s ‘Bala Seva’ scheme.
The government has promised Rs 3,500 monthly cash assistance to the parent or guardian.
Officials working on the scheme said that there might be a delay as finer points related to the scheme’s implementation were being finalised.
“We are currently in the process of finalising guidelines of the scheme.
Once they are ready, we will roll it out,” said a senior official of the department.
“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.” But Anjum Parvez, principal secretary, women and child welfare department, said that the guidelines had been worked out.
“The guidelines are ready, and the government order in this regard will be issued in a day or two,” he added.
Chief minister BS Yediyurappa had said that children with no guardians or relatives would be placed in residential schools and provided free education, food and accommodation.
Those who have passed SSLC exams will be given free laptops and tablets, so they can pursue higher education or a vocational course.
Women aged over 21 will be provided onetime assistance of Rs 1 lakh, which can be used for higher education, self-employment or marriage.