DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today handed over PM Cares Scheme's consent letters for monetary assistance to 38 children of Punjab, who became orphan due to COVID. These children were chosen by the District Magistrates for PM CARES Scheme under which these children will get Rs.10 lac upon reaching the age of 18 years besides free education in government schools, government aided schools, kendriya vidayalays, private schools, cost of books and uniform will also be covered under this scheme. During this event, simultaneously held at various states attended by their Minister's Incharge, held at her office in Civil Secretariat, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Ex. Gratia of rupees 50 thousand would also be given to these children in this hour of grief, while sponsorship benefits of rupees 4000 per child per month up to the age of 18yrs, Health insurance of Rs. 5 lac up to the age of 23yrs. "Educational Loan shall also be provided to the children for continuing there higher studies in India and the interest of this loan will be paid by the PM CARES", she added. The Cabinet Minister apprised that the state government was already providing free Education to these children in Government institutions until graduation, Apart from the children and their families are being immediately brought under the social security pension cover irrespective of their income or other eligibility criteria. She added that the girls, after they attain the age of 18 years of age, shall be extended the benefit of Ashirwaad Scheme at the time of their marriage. "Under this scheme, financial assistance of ?51,000 per beneficiary shall be provided. Apart from this, benefits of the State Smart Ration Card Scheme are extended to them as well as they are being covered under Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana of the State Government. All assistance under Ghar Ghar Rozgaar te Karobaar Mission was also being extended to them. Among others who were present on the occasion included Director Social Security, Women and Child Development Arvind Pal Singh Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohali Amninder Kaur Brar, Joint Director Gurjinder Singh Maour and District Child Protection Officer SAS Nagar Navpreet Kaur. (editor@dailyworld.in)