PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, societies across the globe faced multiple challenges, and India was no exception. Amidst the public health crisis, one of the most vulnerable groups were the children who lost one or both parents to the pandemic. This demographic not only experienced the trauma of losing their loved ones but also encountered severe socio-economic hardships, including the loss of family income, disruption in education, and a lack of adequate care and support. ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) was set up as a response measure. The PM CARES Fund has been registered as a Public Charitable Trust. The Government of India, recognising the long-term consequences for these orphaned children, launched the PM CARES for Children Scheme. The Ministry of Women and Child Welfare is the nodal agency responsible for looking after the welfare of Children in India. The Ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the PM CARES for Children scheme, in collaboration with stakeholder Ministries, States and District Administration.
This article explores the various features of the PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024, including its objectives, key features, eligibility criteria, implementation, challenges, and the impact it seeks to make on society.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – About the Scheme 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM CARES for Children Scheme on 29th May 2021. The PM CARES for Children Scheme has been designed to support children pursuing studies in Class 1 to 12 who have lost both of their parents, a legal guardian, adoptive parents, or a surviving parent due to COVID-19. The scheme extends its benefits to children regardless of caste, religion, gender, or location until they reach the age of 23. It ensures a holistic support system, including health insurance, scholarships for education, monthly stipends, and a lump sum amount when the child turns 23.
The scheme continues to embody the government’s vision in 2024 for creating a safety net for vulnerable children, ensuring that they have the resources to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges they have faced.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Objectives
The objective of PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 is to ensure continuity in comprehensive care and protection of these orphaned children in a sustained manner, providing health insurance, educational empowerment and financial support until they reach 23 years of age. This scheme aims to offer scholarship support to children who have lost both parents, legal guardians, adoptive parents, or a surviving parent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them continue their education from Class 1 up to Class 12.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Benefits
There are several benefits available under the PM CARES for Children Scheme. They are as follows:
Financial Support:
- The PM CARES for children scheme intends to ensure rehabilitation of these children through convergent approach that includes the following:
- Gap funding for ensuring education
- Monthly stipend at the age of 18 years
- A lump sum amount of ₹10 lakh on turning 23 years of age
Support for Boarding & Lodging:
- The District Magistrate, with the help of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), will try to rehabilitate the child within their extended family or relatives.
- If the family or relatives are unavailable, unwilling, or unfit, or if the child (aged 4-10 years or older) doesn’t want to live with them, the child will be placed in foster care, following the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
- If foster care is not available, or suitable, or if the child is unwilling to stay, the child will be placed in the age and gender-appropriate Child Care Institutions (CCI).
- The children above 10 years, who are not placed with family, relatives, or foster families, may be enrolled in residential schools like Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, or other similar schools, based on the District Magistrate’s decision.
- Efforts should be made to keep siblings together as far as possible.
- For non-institutional care, financial assistance will be provided to the child’s guardian under the Child Protection Services (CPS) scheme.
- For institutional care, a maintenance grant will be given to Child Care Institutions under the CPS Scheme, with additional support from state programs.
Support for School Education:
For children below 6 years of age:
- Identified children will receive support from the Anganwadi centres.
- They will get help with supplementary nutrition, pre-school education (ECCE), immunisation, health check-ups, and health referrals.
For children below 10 years of age:
- Admission will be provided to the nearest school (Government, Government-aided, Kendriya Vidyalayas, or Private schools) as a day scholar.
- In Government schools, children will receive two sets of free uniforms and textbooks under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- In private schools, tuition fees will be waived under section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act.
- If a child cannot get these benefits, fees, as per RTE norms, will be covered by the PM CARES for Children Scheme. The scheme will also cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, and notebooks.
For children between 11-18 years of age:
- If living with extended family, admission will be ensured in the nearest Government, Government-aided, Kendriya Vidyalayas, or Private schools by the DM.
- The child may also be enrolled in a residential school as per the scheme guidelines, for example:
- Netaji Subhash Chand Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya
- Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
- Eklavya Model Schools
- Sainik School
- Navodaya Vidyalaya etc.
- The DM will arrange accommodation for the child during vacations at a CCI or another suitable place.
- If the child cannot get these benefits, fees, as per RTE norms, it will be covered by the PM CARES for Children scheme, which will also cover uniforms, textbooks, and notebooks.
Support for Higher Education:
- The child will receive help in getting an education loan for professional courses or higher education in India.
- If the beneficiary cannot get interest exemption from existing Central or State Government schemes, the interest on the loan will be covered by the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
- Alternatively, beneficiaries can get scholarships based on the rules framed by various ministries such as the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, Tribal Affairs, Minority Affairs, and the Department of Higher Education.
- Beneficiaries will be supported through the National Scholarship Portal to access these scholarships.
- Awarded scholarships will be updated on the PM CARES for Children portal.
Health Insurance:
- All children will be enrolled as beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh.
- PM CARES will cover the premium amount until the child reaches 18 years of age.
Scholarship:
- The total scholarship allowance will be ₹20,000 per child per annum, distributed at the start of each academic year. It consists of the following components:
- A monthly allowance of ₹1,000
- Annual academic allowance of ₹8,000 to cover expenses for books, uniforms, shoes, and other educational materials.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Eligibility Criteria
The applicants applying for this opportunity must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria in order to avail the benefits:
1. Orphaned Due to COVID-19: The scheme is exclusively for children who have lost:
- Both of their parents
or
- A surviving parent
or
- A legal guardian, adoptive parents, or a single adoptive parent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 11.03.2020 (the date WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic) until present, are eligible for benefits under this scheme.
2. Age Limit: The children below the age of 18 years who meet the criteria are eligible to seek benefits under the scheme.
3. Indian Citizenship: Only children who are Indian citizens are eligible to apply. This ensures that the scheme benefits children who have lost their families during pandemic within the country.
4. Residence: The children must be residing in India at the time of applying for the scheme. This includes children who may have been temporarily relocated due to the loss of their parents or guardians but continue to live within the country.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Application Process
The application process for the PM CARES for Children Scheme is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that children or their guardians can easily access the benefits.
1. Registration
- Eligible children or their guardians must first register on the PM CARES for Children portal, which is managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Complete the online application form with accurate information.
- Upload the required documents as per the instructions. The registration process requires the following documents:
- A death certificate of the parents or legal guardians indicating that the cause of death was due to COVID-19.
- Proof of identity of the child, such as an Aadhaar card or birth certificate.
- Proof of guardianship, if applicable.
- Review the application details and submit it.
2. Review and Approval:
- The submitted application will be reviewed by the concerned authorities.
- If the application meets all the eligibility criteria, it will be approved.
- The approved applications will be processed for providing the benefits under the scheme.
3. Verification Process
Once the application is submitted, it undergoes a verification process. The District Magistrate (DM) or District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) verifies the details, including the cause of death and the child’s eligibility for the scheme. This process is designed to ensure that only genuinely eligible children receive the benefits.
4. Approval and Disbursement
After verification, the child is enrolled in the scheme. The PM CARES Fund will disburse the lump sum amount and monthly stipend directly to the child’s bank account upon reaching the specified ages. Educational scholarships and health insurance benefits are also activated automatically.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Modalities
- This will apply exclusively to children covered under the PM CARES.
- The number of beneficiaries will be determined based on verified and approved applications from the District Nodal Authorities on the PM CARES for Children portal.
- Annual Aadhar authentication of children will be mandatory for receiving the scholarship under the DBT Mode.
- The children may migrate to other schemes of any Ministry/Department if eligible, but this can only be done once up to Class 12.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Scholarship Disbursement
- Funds will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT mode.
- Payment will be made in a single installment, released at the beginning of each academic year.
- The scheme will be implemented as per the provisions of GFR 2017.
- Students must have a bank account linked to their Aadhaar number when applying for the scholarship.
- The scholarship amount will be credited directly to the bank account through DBT mode.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Evaluation and Supervision
- The progress of every child under the Scheme would be monitored by the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare which is the nodal agency for the Scheme.
- The academic progress of the students would be reviewed periodically by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the assistance from States/UTs. These may include the following:
- Constitution of monitoring bodies or cells
- Development of Scheme MIS
- Establishment of protocol for regular performance reviews
- The evaluation of the Scheme, if required, will be carried out by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Statistic Division) through a third party.
- Routine audits, including statutory and social audits, will be done by the relevant agencies.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Challenges
While the PM CARES for Children Scheme is comprehensive and well-intentioned, several challenges have been identified that may hinder its optimal implementation.
1. Identification of Beneficiaries
One of the significant challenges faced by the scheme is the accurate identification of eligible children. Many children, especially in rural areas, may not have the proper documentation, such as death certificates clearly indicating COVID-19 as the cause of death, which can delay or prevent their enrollment in the scheme.
2. Administrative Delays
Despite efforts to streamline the process, there are often administrative delays in verifying applications and disbursing benefits. The bureaucratic red tape can be a barrier for children who urgently need financial and emotional support.
3. Access to Educational Institutions
While the scheme promises free education in government and private institutions, ensuring that children are enrolled in quality schools, especially in remote areas, remains a challenge. The children may also face difficulties adapting to new educational environments, especially if they have experienced trauma.
4. Psychosocial Support
Providing adequate psychosocial support to children who have experienced the trauma of losing their parents is another area of concern. While the scheme includes provisions for counselling, the availability of trained mental health professionals, especially in rural and underserved areas, is limited.
5. Digital Divide
In many cases, access to online education and other digital resources has become difficult due to the digital divide in the rural areas. The children hailing from economically weaker sections may not have the infrastructure or resources to participate in online learning, which became essential during the pandemic.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – Impact
Despite the challenges, the PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 has the potential to bring about significant positive change in the lives of orphaned children. By providing a comprehensive support system, the scheme aims to ensure that no child is left behind due to the adverse effects of the pandemic.
1. Financial Independence
The financial assistance provided by the scheme, including the lump sum payment and monthly stipend, offers a level of financial security that can help children transition into adulthood without major financial burdens.
2. Access to Quality Education
The scheme’s focus on education is vital for the long-term development of children. By offering scholarships, loans, and free schooling, the government ensures that orphaned children can continue their education and pursue their career goals.
3. Health and Well-being
With inclusion of health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the children gain guaranteed access to quality healthcare. This provision is particularly crucial for maintaining both their physical and mental well-being.
4. Emotional Resilience
The emphasis on psychosocial support and counselling services helps children cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of losing their parents. This aspect of the scheme is designed to foster emotional resilience and promote mental health.
PM CARES for Children Scheme 2024 – FAQs
Who is eligible under the PM CARES for Children Scheme?
The children who have lost both of their parents or a single parent/guardian due to COVID-19 and are under 18 years of age are eligible under the scheme.
What are the documents required for applying under the PM CARES for Children Scheme?
Documents typically include the child’s birth certificate, proof of parents’ death due to COVID-19, identity proof, and income proof of the guardian.
Is there any age limit for the applicants?
Yes, children must be under 18 years of age at the time of applying.
How will the financial assistance be provided?
The financial assistance will be transferred directly to the guardian or caregiver’s bank account, as specified in the application.
What is the process for verifying the applicant’s details?
The verification process involves checking the submitted documents and conducting field verification as needed.
How long will the benefits available under the scheme continue?
The benefits will continue until the child reaches 18 years of age or completes his/her education, whichever comes first.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application online on the website (https://pmcaresforchildren.in/) dedicated to the PM CARES for Children Scheme.
What types of educational institutions are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers various types of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and vocational training centres, as long as they are recognized by relevant authorities.
Will the scheme cover higher education expenses?
Yes, the scheme provides financial assistance for higher education, including college or university fees, subject to eligibility and guidelines.
Can children who are currently under foster care apply for the scheme?
Yes, children under foster care can apply for the scheme. The foster care agency or guardian should apply on their behalf.
How can guardians get assistance in filling out the application?
Guardians can get help from local government offices, helplines, or community organisations that provide support with the application process.
Is there a dedicated helpline for the scheme?
Yes, the scheme has a dedicated helpline for inquiries and support. For questions on guidelines, the applicants can call 011-23381970 or email cw3division-mwcd@gov.in. For technical issues, they can call 011-23388074 or send an email to pmcares-children.wcd@nic.in with the details.
How will the scheme support children in remote or rural areas?
The scheme provides support to children in remote or rural areas by coordinating with local authorities and ensuring that benefits are accessible and distributed effectively.
Can children apply under the scheme if they are currently residing with a relative?
Yes, children under the care of a relative can apply for the scheme, provided the relative meets the criteria to act as the guardian.
What are the measures in place in order to ensure the scheme’s transparency?
The scheme ensures transparency through regular audits, public disclosures, and monitoring by designated agencies to track the utilisation of funds and benefits.
What should guardians do if they encounter difficulties in receiving benefits?
Guardians should contact the scheme’s helpdesk or local government office to report and resolve any issues related to receiving benefits.