Odisha government's Ashirbad Yojana, launched in June 2021 for children who lost parents to Covid-19, is back in news in July 2026 over unpaid dues. Opposition party BJD says more than 50,000 Covid orphans in the state have not received their monthly support since March 2026.
Under the scheme, a child who lost both parents gets Rs. 2,500 every month, while a child who lost one parent gets Rs. 1,500. This amount is paid directly to the bank account of the relative caring for the child, or credited to the child care institution where the child stays. This article covers the current payment status, eligibility categories, benefits and financial assistance rules under Odisha Ashirbad Yojana.
Odisha Ashirbad Yojana (आशीर्वाद योजना) 2026
State government launched Odisha Ashirbad Yojana for children who lost their parents or the main earning member of the family on or after 1 April 2020 due to Covid-19. New intake into the scheme was stopped for cases where the parent died after 15 September 2021, since the department cited a falling trend in Covid-19 cases at that time. Children already covered under the scheme before that date continue to get benefits till they turn 18 or till adoption, as per the scheme guidelines.
Ashirbad Yojana Payment Status Update, July 2026
Media coordinator of BJD, Lenin Mohanty, said in a press statement on 9 July 2026 that the state government has stopped releasing monthly financial assistance to Covid orphans since March this year. He said District Child Protection Officers, who handle the ground-level implementation of Ashirbad Yojana, are unable to release payments because funds have not been released from the state level. BJD has demanded that pending dues along with regular monthly assistance be released without further delay.
State government has not issued an official response on the alleged non-payment yet. Families and institutions caring for eligible children can check with their local District Child Protection Officer or the Ashirbad Yojana portal at ashirbad.odisha.gov.in for the latest payment update.
Category of Beneficiary Children under Ashirbad Yojana
Children under distress who lost their parents are eligible under Ashirbad Yojana. Such children have been divided into 3 categories.
- Those who lost both their parents
- Those who lost either their father or mother
- Children whose main earning member of family, either father or mother, has died
Benefits of Ashirbad Yojana
Under Odisha Ashirbad Yojana, each eligible child gets the following benefits, subject to the scheme being funded and payments being released on time.
- Rs. 2,500 per month is deposited in the bank account of the family member who has taken responsibility of the child after the death of the parents.
- Support under Ashirbad Yojana continues till the child turns 18, or till such date if someone adopts the child.
- Eligible children get free treatment under state government's Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- Children are also included as beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Children can continue studying in the same school they were enrolled in before their parents died. If the relative caring for the child lives elsewhere, arrangement for schooling is made in that place, including admission in Adarsh Vidyalaya or a central school if required.
- If a relative wants to move a child to a different school, the district collector provides support as per the Right To Education Act. State government also helps such children pursue higher education under Green Passage scheme.
- If the relative caring for the child is eligible for a house under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, out of turn allotment is made for the family.
- Relatives adopting Covid orphans are also covered under other government welfare schemes as per their eligibility.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Odisha Ashirbad Yojana |
| Launched By | Government of Odisha, Women and Child Development Department |
| Launched On | 20 June 2021 |
| Beneficiaries | Children who lost parents or main earning member to Covid-19 on or after 1 April 2020 |
| Benefit Amount | Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 per month, depending on category |
| Current Status (July 2026) | Monthly payments reported stopped since March 2026, as per opposition BJD |
| Application Mode | Identification through District Child Protection Units, panchayat and block committees |
| Official Website | ashirbad.odisha.gov.in |
Financial Assistance under Ashirbad Yojana
Child welfare committee of the district coordinates with the local tahasildar and police to protect the property of orphan children. Children can also get financial support from Biju Sishu Suraksha Yojana and Juvenile Justice Fund if required.
If a child does not stay with a relative and instead resides in a child care institution, a recurring deposit of Rs. 1,000 per month is made till the child turns 18. If a child lost either parent who was the only earning member and now stays with the surviving parent, Rs. 1,500 per month is provided for maintenance. This amount is deposited in the child's or the parent's account. If the surviving parent is the mother, she is also entitled to Madhu Babu Pension.
District collectors were earlier asked to prepare a list of Covid orphans with support from District Child Protection Committee, Childline and panchayat level organisations, and to run this exercise every year so that no Covid orphan is left out from the scheme.
FAQ's
Is Ashirbad Yojana still giving out new benefits in 2026?
New intake of orphans into the scheme was stopped after 15 September 2021. Children already covered continue to get support till 18 years of age, though monthly payments are reported stopped since March 2026.
How much money does a child get under Ashirbad Yojana?
A child who lost both parents gets Rs. 2,500 per month, and a child who lost one parent or the main earning member gets Rs. 1,500 per month.
Who should be contacted if payment is not received?
Families or institutions caring for an eligible child should contact their local District Child Protection Officer, since these officers handle disbursement of the monthly assistance on the ground.
Does Ashirbad Yojana cover health and education needs of the child?
Yes. Along with monthly cash support, eligible children get free treatment under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana and continued schooling support, including help with admission if the child relocates.
Source / Reference Links: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/jun/20/odisha-cm-launches-ashirbad-for-education-and-health-of-covid-orphans-2318958.html, https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/odisha-bjd-flags-alleged-non-payment-of-aid-to-covid-orphaned-children-1095670