9000 children in India lost either of the parents to Covid-19; more than 1700 orphaned

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 1 (EMN): More than 1700 children have become orphans while 140 have been abandoned due to the Covid-19 pandemic since March 2020 as per National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NPCR) data submitted to the Supreme Court.

At least 9000 children lost either of the parents due to Covid-19, and at least 1000 of them lost both parents, a legal news website called LiveLaw, stated on Tuesday quoting the court hearing.

Meanwhile, as many as 9346 children are in need of care and protection. It informed that the figures could be higher as data collection is ongoing.

The NCPCR, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, had on May 29 asked states and union territories to upload data of children who have lost both or either of parents to Covid-19. Prior to that, the Supreme Court had on May 28 directed district authorities to upload information of children who had become orphans after March 2020.

Meanwhile, the Central government on May 29 announced measures to support children who have lost their parents to Covid-19. These included free education, free healthcare insurance of INR 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat till 18 years, loans for higher education and PM Cares scheme to pay interest and monthly stipend once they turn 18 and a fund of INR 10 lakh when they turn 23.