Don't allow despair turn into defeat: PM Modi to children orphaned during Covid-19

Addressing the children via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said he has come to interact with the children not as a Prime Minister but as a member of their family.

"Even in the darkest atmosphere of despair, if we believe in ourselves, then a ray of light is definitely visible," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said it is difficult to put into words the pain of the children who are in the program.

"Every day is a struggle for those who lost their loved ones to Corona. PM Cares for Children is a small effort to reduce the hardships of all such corona affected children. It is also a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with full sensitivity," he said.

The Prime Minister informed that if someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM Cares will help in that too. For other daily needs, arrangements have also been made for 4 thousand rupees every month for them through other schemes. Apart from Rs 10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years the children will be given health coverage through the Ayushman Card.

"If one needs an education loan for a professional course, for higher education, then PM-Cares will help in that too. Rs 4,000 per month has also been arranged for them through other schemes for everyday needs," the Prime Minister said.

"Through PM Cares, children will be provided a Ayushman Health Card as well that will cover health expenses upto Rs. 5 Lakhs," the Prime Minister added.

He said nothing can replace the love and care the parents of the children had given to them but remember, the Prime Minister said, "Maa Bharati will always stand beside you to support and nurture you."

The Prime Minister said a dedicated helpline will be initiated to nurture the mental health of such children under PM Cares. The emotional counselling through samvad helpline will ensure the psychological and emotional well being of the children.

Modi said PM Cares initiative has been made possible through the contributions of citizens across the country.

Through these contributions we were able to ramp-up healthcare infrastructure and now through this fund we are going to be able to help children who have lost their parents, the Prime Minister added.

"Before 2014, the country was trapped in the vicious cycle of corruption, scams worth thousands of crores, nepotism, terror outfits spreading across the country, regional discrimination... it is now coming out of it. This is also an example for all of you children that even the toughest days pass by," the Prime Minister said.

He said the spirit to never give up on Indians helped the country's fight for Independence 75 years ago, and today, the Prime Minister said, "The same spirit has helped us overcome the challenges of Covid. I hope all of you will be able to inculcate the same spirit to achieve great success in your life."

The Prime Minister also urged all children to take part in Fit India and Khelo India initiatives.

"In a few days, International Day of Yoga is round the corner. I encourage all children to make Yoga and fitness part of their daily routine," he said. He asked the children to listen to their elders and their teacher. He also said in these difficult times good books can be reliable friends.

The PM Cares for Children Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister on May 29, 2021 to support children who have lost both the parents or legal guardian or adoptive parents or surviving parent to Covid-19 pandemic, during the period from Mar 11, 2020 to Feb 28, 2022.

"The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children in a sustained manner by providing them boarding and lodging, empowering them through education and scholarships, equipping them for self-sufficient existence with financial support of Rs 10 lakh on attaining 23 years of age and ensuring their wellbeing through health insurance," the PMO said.

A portal named pmcaresforchildren.in was launched to register children. The portal is a single window system which facilitates approval process and all other assistance for children.