The PM CARES for Children Scheme was launched on 29th May 2021. It aims to support children who have lost both the Parents or legal Guardian or Adoptive Parents or Surviving Parent to COVID-19 pandemic during the period starting from 11th March 2020 to 28th February, 2022. The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner, and enable their well being through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age.
About the PM CARES for Children Scheme
- The Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- The objective of the Scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of Children in a sustained manner, and enable their well-being through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support till 23 years of age. The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in.
- A calculated amount has been credited in the account of each identified child in such a manner that the corpus for each child becomes Rs.10 lakhs at the time of attaining 18 years of age.
- Children are entitled to receive monthly stipend between the age of 18 and 23 years, by investing the corpus of Rs.10 lakhs into Monthly Income Scheme of Post Office.
- They will receive the amount of Rs.10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years. Children staying with relatives are receiving Rs.4000/- per month under Mission Vatsalya Scheme.
- Under the scheme, provision has been made for admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan/Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya or Private Schools. Further, scholarship of Rs.20,000/- are provided to all school going children of class 1-12.
- Children are also assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses / Higher Education in India for which interest would be borne by PM CARES Fund.
- All children have been enrolled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojna (AB PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs.5 lakh. The coverage of health insurance would be provided till they attain the age of 23 years.
Features of the PM CARES for Children Scheme
- Financial Assistance:
- A corpus of ₹10 lakh will be provided to each beneficiary at the age of 18.
- A monthly stipend is given from the age of 18 to 23 years.
- The full amount is disbursed as a lump sum at 23 years to help in self-sufficiency.
- Education Support:
- Free education in government or private schools under various welfare schemes.
- Assistance for admission in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and private schools.
- Higher education loans available with PM CARES funding the interest.
- Health Insurance:
- ₹5 lakh health coverage under Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY.
- Premiums for the health insurance policy are covered under the scheme.
- Emotional & Psychological Support:
- Child welfare committees and district authorities provide emotional support.
- Special focus on mental health and counseling.
- Mentorship & Skill Development:
- Career guidance, vocational training, and mentorship programs for self-reliance.
Benefits of the PM CARES for Children Scheme
Fixed Deposit in the name of the child
PM CARES will contribute through a specially designed scheme to create a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child when he or she reaches 18 years of age. This corpus:
- Will be used to give a monthly financial support/ stipend from 18 years of age, for the next five years to take care of his or her personal requirements during the period of higher education and
- On reaching the age of 23 years, he or she will get the corpus amount as one lump-sum for personal and professional use.
School Education: For children under 10 years
- The child will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.
- If the child is admitted in a private school, the fees as per the RTE norms will be given from the PM CARES.
- PM-CARES will also pay for expenditure on uniform, text books and notebooks.
School Education: for children between 11-18 years
- The child will be given admission in any Central Government residential school such as Sainik School, Navodaya Vidyalaya etc.
- In case the child is to be continued under the care of Guardian/ grandparents/ extended family, then he or she will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar.
- If the child is admitted in a private school, the fees as per the RTE norms will be given from the PM CARES.
- PM CARES will also pay for expenditure on uniform, text books and notebooks.
Support for Higher Education
- The child will be assisted in obtaining education loan for Professional courses / Higher Education in India as per the existing Education Loan norms. The interest on this loan will be paid by the PM CARES.
- As an alternative, scholarship equivalent to the tuition fees / course fees for undergraduate/ vocational courses as per Government norms will be provided to such children under Central or State Government Schemes. For children who are not eligible under the existing scholarship schemes, PM CARES will provide an equivalent scholarship.
Health Insurance
- All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) with a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs.
- The premium amount for these children till the age of 18 years will be paid by PM CARES.
Scholarship
- Total scholarship allowance will be Rs.20,000/- per child per annum to be released at the beginning of every academic year and will comprise of:
- (a) Monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000/-.
- (b) Annual academic allowance of Rs. 8,000/- to cover the cost ofthe books and uniform, shoes and other educational equipment.
Lacunae of the PM CARES for Children Scheme
- Limited Coverage and Identification Issues – Many eligible children struggle to access benefits due to a lack of awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and difficulties in verifying their eligibility. Some children, especially from marginalized communities, remain excluded.
- Delayed Implementation and Fund Disbursement – Reports indicate delays in fund allocation and disbursement, affecting timely support for education, health, and daily needs. The delay reduces the scheme’s immediate impact on orphaned children.
- Lack of Holistic Support – While financial aid and health insurance are provided, there is a lack of structured emotional and psychological support. Orphaned children require consistent mental health interventions, mentorship, and rehabilitation programs.
- Education and Skill Development Gaps – Though the scheme covers schooling and higher education assistance, it lacks specific provisions for vocational training or skill development. This could limit opportunities for children who may not pursue traditional higher education.
- Monitoring and Accountability Issues – Transparency in fund utilization and monitoring mechanisms is weak. There is no publicly available structured report on how effectively the benefits reach the children. Stronger accountability and third-party audits are needed.
- Exclusion of Guardians – The scheme primarily focuses on the children but does not provide substantial support for their guardians, who play a crucial role in their upbringing.
PM CARES for Children Scheme for UPSC CSE Prelims
- Launched – 29 May 2021
- Objective – Supports children orphaned due to COVID-19.
- Eligibility – Children under 18 years who lost both parents/legal guardian/adoptive parents due to COVID-19.
- Financial Support –
- ₹10 lakh lump sum at 23 years of age.
- Monthly stipend from 18 to 23 years via an interest-bearing corpus.
- Education Support –
- Free education in nearest government/central schools.
- Assistance for school fees in private schools.
- Higher education loans with PM CARES fund support.
- Health Benefits –
- ₹5 lakh health insurance under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY).
- Premium paid by PM CARES till 18 years of age.
- Other Support –
- Emotional and psychological assistance.
- Mentorship from district officials.
Way Forward
The PM CARES for Children Scheme should focus on seamless fund disbursement, enhanced education and skill development, robust health monitoring, and long-term mentorship. Strengthening implementation, ensuring transparency, and collaborating with NGOs and private sectors will help maximize impact and secure a stable future for the beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The PM CARES for Children Scheme ensures holistic support for children orphaned by COVID-19, providing financial aid, education, healthcare, and emotional well-being. It aims to empower them for a secure future, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience through sustained government assistance and care.
