Maharashtra scheme gives Rs 2,250 a month to orphaned and needy children raised by relatives
Under the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Balsangopan Yojana, eligible children aged 0 to 18 get Rs 2,250 a month by direct bank transfer.
The Women and Child Development Department in Maharashtra is running the 'Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Balsangopan Yojana'. The scheme is for children in the state aged 0 to 18 who are orphaned, homeless, have only one guardian or are in serious circumstances.
The aim is to place eligible children with their relatives in a family setting, where they are raised, instead of keeping them in a children's home. For this, financial assistance of Rs 2,250 a month is deposited directly into a bank account through direct benefit transfer (DBT).
The department says the scheme is meant to ensure the all-round development of the children and to give them access to education and health facilities. The department is running the scheme across the state through various social organisations.
The scheme benefits the following children: orphaned and homeless children, children with a single guardian, children of sick or disabled guardians, children of prisoners serving sentences, children of guardians battling domestic violence or a serious illness, child labourers, children living on the street, and children whom the Child Welfare Committee has declared to be in need of care and protection.
To be eligible, the child must be a resident of Maharashtra. The family's annual income must be below Rs 2.5 lakh. Families below the poverty line are given priority.
The application must be accompanied by the child's birth certificate or bonafide certificate, an income certificate and an Aadhaar card. The bank passbook of the account held jointly by the child and the guardian or caregiver must also be attached, along with a photograph of the child with the guardian in front of the house. Where applicable, the parents' death certificate and a bonafide certificate for a child attending school must also be added.
In Mumbai City district, the government-recognised Prayas Foundation and Manav Vikas Foundation are implementing the scheme. Guardians or relatives of eligible children can apply through the District Women and Child Development Officer's office, the local Child Welfare Committee or a recognised voluntary organisation.
The office of the District Women and Child Development Officer, Mumbai City, has appealed to citizens, schools, social organisations and elected representatives to take the initiative to help orphaned and needy children in their areas get the benefit of the scheme.
For more information, people can contact the office of the District Women and Child Development Officer, Mumbai City, first floor, 117 BDD Chawl, Worli, Mumbai 400018, or call Childline on 1098.
