Covid orphans 12 kids, leaves 133 in distress
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sonia Sorensangbam

Imphal, June 28 2021: The Covid-19 pandemic, which hit the state on March 24 last year, has left as many as 12 children orphaned and 133 children losing one of the parents so far.

Amid the distressful condition besetting such a large number children the Social Welfare Department has started providing some financial assistance to these destitute children.

According to a report received from the department, the 12 children who have lost both their parents due to Covid-19 include three from Bishnupur, four from Imphal East and five from Ukhrul districts.

All these children have been restored to their extended families.

On the other hand, the 133 children, who have lost either one of their parents include 24 from Imphal East, 25 from Imphal West, 11 from Thoubal, five from Kakching, 10 from Bishnupur, 18 from Kangpokpi, 17 from Ukhrul, four from Kamjong, six from Senapati, one from Noney and eight from Churachandpur.

Details of four children who lost mother or father could not be ascertained.

All these children are staying with their respective single surviving parent.

Regarding assistance extended from the state government to these children, Social Welfare director Ng Uttam said that the orphaned children have been restored to their extended families after consultation with Child Welfare Committee and taking statements and affidavits from the extended families.

The department is providing Rs 3500 per month to each orphaned child of which Rs 2000 is borne by Central government and Rs 1500 by the state.

However, there is no support system for semi-orphaned children as of now announced a scheme under the PM Cares.

Under the scheme, the central government would be depositing Rs 10 lakh in the name of the orphans and Rs 5 lakh for semi-orphaned children as fixed deposit.

Guidelines for the scheme are yet to be issued, he added.

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