August 23, 2022, MUMBAI, COVID-19 Funds for Students: The Government of Maharashtra announced that it will cover the costs of higher education for college students who have lost both parents to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration was made by the state’s minister of higher and technical education on the state assembly’s floor in response to a query from Congressman Shirish Chaudhary.
The minister of higher and technical education, Mr. Chandrakant Patil, further said, “As many as 931 undergraduate and 228 postgraduate students at various government colleges have lost both their parents to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government will pay their fees for the entire course.”
The minister also added that the move will cost the state treasury more than 2 crore per year and that the state government won’t need to make a decision of this type every year.
This article will further discuss similar welfare schemes launched by other states.
Other State Governments’ Similar Welfare Schemes
COVID-19 Funds for Students: Kerala
- On May 27, 2021, the Kerala government said that it would release COVID-19 funds for students who lost their parents to the coronavirus, and they will be provided with a one-time financial aid payment of Rs. 3 lakh.
- As stated by the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, children will receive Rs. 2,000 a month up to the age of 18.
- Additionally, the state government will pay for their education up to the graduate level.
- The CM of Kerala reiterated the same in a press release, “One-time financial help of Rs. 3 lakhs will be given to the children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19. ₹2000 per month will be given to these children till the 18 years of age. The Government of Kerala will bear the cost of their education till degree-level”.
COVID-19 Funds for Students: Tamil Nadu
- On May 29, 2021, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled a set of aid programmes and COVID-19 funds for students whose parents had died from COVID-19.
- A decision was made in this regard at a high-level gathering at the secretariat that was presided over by the Chief Minister.
- Children who lost their parents as a result of COVID-19 will have Rs. 5 lakh deposited in their bank accounts, and will get the money with interest once they turn 18 years old.
- These children will receive admission to government homes and hostels on a priority basis.
- The government will cover all of these children’s educational costs up until graduation, including hostel fees, etc.
- Until these children turn 18, their families or guardians who are taking care of them will receive Rs 3,000 each month.
- A district-level special committee will keep an eye on these children’s educational progress and general well-being.
- All government welfare programmes will be offered to these children on a priority basis.
- A man or woman who has lost their life partner and has children as well will receive this concession.
- Women who have lost their husbands to this virus and have children will receive an instant relief payment of Rs. 3 lakh.
- Men who have lost their spouses and have children will also receive an immediate relief payment of Rs. 3 lakh.
COVID-19 Funds for Students: Delhi
- The Delhi Government on May 14, 2021, declared that it would cover the cost of the children’s education whose parents have lost their lives to the coronavirus.
- The government will offer free schooling to such children. Along with paying for their schooling, the government would also cover other required costs and look after their upbringing.
- The Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, later stated in a press conference, “I know many children who have lost both their parents. I want to tell them that I am still there. Do not consider yourself an orphan. The government will take care of their studies and upbringing”.
COVID-19 Funds for Students: Chhattisgarh
- On May 13, 2021, the Chhattisgarh government declared that it will release COVID-19 funds for students who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will cover their education expenses.
- The government released an official statement saying, “Amid the fight against Covid-19, the Government of Chhattisgarh has taken a decision that will wipe some tears of people affected by effects of Covid-19. Chhattisgarh Government stands by the children of Chhattisgarh who have been stripped of everything due to Covid’s ruthless attack, and will not only bear the responsibility of their education, but will also make every effort to shape their future.”
- According to the official statement, the whole cost of the schooling of children who lost their parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic during this fiscal year will be covered by the Chhattisgarh Government.
- Additionally, these children will receive a scholarship of Rs. 500 per month from Class 1 to 8 and Rs. 1000 per month from Class 9 to 12. These children will be eligible for this scheme while studying in any public or private school.
- The state government has also determined that these kids would be granted admission on a priority basis and won’t be charged any fees if they apply for enrollment at Swami Atmanand English Medium School run in the state.
FAQs
Who is eligible for COVID-related welfare schemes?
Only those children who have lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for COVID-19 Funds for Students.
Are there any scholarships available for COVID-affected students?
Yes, there are several welfare schemes and monetary aid launched by various state governments for students who have lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please visit buddy4study.com.
Who is eligible for the COVID-related financial aid from the Maharashtra Government?
Only those students who have lost their parents to coronavirus are eligible for the Maharashtra government's financial aid. The Government of Maharashtra has recently announced that it will cover the costs of higher education for college students who have lost both parents to the COVID-19 pandemic.
