New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote individual letters to over 4,000 beneficiaries of the PM-CARES for Children scheme on Monday, describing it as a determined step taken by the country for a golden future for children. He elaborated on the various benefits available to children who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. PM Modi also related his family’s experience with a similar tragedy almost a century ago, assuring the youngsters that the entire country is rooting for them during this difficult time. The women and child development ministry shared the letter. The PM CARES for Children scheme, according to PM Modi, is a resolute move taken by the country for these children’s bright future. “This scheme will ensure that you can dream freely and there is no lack of efforts in helping you realise your dreams,” he stated. The Prime Minister shared a few things that his mother told him as a youngster in a letter written in English, Hindi, and regional languages. About 100 years ago, he continued, his family went through a similar loss and pain. “A century ago, when the entire world was in the grip of a terrible pandemic like today, my mother lost her mother i.e. my maternal grandmother. My mother was so young that she does not even remember her mother’s face. She spent her entire life in the absence of her mother, without her affection. Imagine how she must have been brought up. Therefore, today, I can very well understand the anguish in your mind, the conflict in your heart,” PM Modi stated. According to him, a parent’s presence is usually a big support for a child. “Until now, your parents told you the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, and guided you. Today, when they are not with you, your responsibilities have increased more than before,” he stated “It is not possible for anyone to fill this void in your life, but as your family, I assure you that you are not alone in your struggles, difficulties, and in your good and bad times. The entire country is with you,” added the Prime Minister. With the letter, the benefits of the PM CARES scheme for children were included. These advantages include free schooling and loan support for higher education, Ayushman Bharat Yojana health insurance of up to 5 lakhs till the age of 18, PM CARES payment of insurance premiums, and a monthly financial aid for individual needs until the age of 18. Other benefits include a 10 lakh grant from PM CARES upon reaching the age of 23, a 20,000-per-year scholarship for students in Classes 1-12, the Karma Scholarship for skills training, the Swanath Scholarship for Technical Education, a scholarship of 2.5 lakh per year for studying in higher education institutions (IITs, IIMs), and a 50,000-per-year ex-gratia payment. The rewards under the PM CARES for Children scheme were released earlier in the day by the Prime Minister. PM Modi transferred scholarships to school-going children. Also, a passbook of PM CARES for Children and a health card under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana were handed over to children. Source: PTI
