More than half of applications under PM CARES fund for Covid orphans rejected

NEW DELHI: Nearly 51% of the applications received under PM CARES fund for children scheme benefitting Covid orphans was rejected, according to official data. In the three years of its launch, only 49% of the applications have been accepted.
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh received highest number of applications among the states, with 1,553, 1,511, and 1,007, respectively.
Official data shows that the scheme received 9,331 applications from 613 districts across 33 states and Union territories. Out of these, 4,532 applications from 558 districts in 32 states and UTs were approved, while 4,781 applications were rejected.
The scheme was launched in 2021 to support those children who lost their lost both the parents or legal guardian or adoptive parents or surviving parent to Covid 19 pandemic in order to ensure "education, monthly stipend at the age of 18 years and lump sum amount of Rs 10 lakh on turning 23 years of age, inter alia."
According to its official website, Ministry of Women and Child Welfare is entrusted with the responsibility "of anchoring the PM CARES for Children scheme."