Uttarakhand government has announced a new Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana for children orphaned due to COVID-19. In this Chief Minister Vatsalya Scheme, the state govt. will take care of those children, who lost their parents or the sole earning member of the family to Coronavirus infection. Under the UK CM Vatsalya Yojna, govt. will make arrangements for the education and training of these children till they attain the age of 21 years. In this article, we will tell you about the complete details of the Mukhya Mantri Vatsalya Yojana in the state.
What is Uttarakhand Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana 2024
In the Uttarakhand State Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana 2024, an amount of Rs. 3,000 per month would be each child who become orphan because of COVID-19. In addition to this, district magistrates have been asked to ensure that their share of ancestral property is not sold till they turn adults. Even such orphaned kids will be provided with 5% horizontal reservation in Uttarakhand government jobs. Former CM Tirath Singh Rawat had announced the Mukhya Mantri Vatsalya Yojna earlier on 22 May 2021.
List of Children Orphaned due to COVID-19 in Uttarakhand
Former Chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat had directed the authorities to compile a list of COVID-19 orphaned children at the earliest. The state govt. has prepared a list of Coronavirus orphans in the state to provide them with benefits of Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana. CM Dhami mentioned that “Losing a parent or head of the family is a big loss and affects the growth and future of a child. Therefore, the government has decided to help these kids in all possible manner.”
Other State Schemes Similar to CM Vatsalya Scheme
Before Uttarakhand, several other states/UTs including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi among others have started similar scheme. Recently, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath also announced that his government will take responsibility of those children who have lost their parents during the second wave of the Covid-19 in Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, CM in a review meeting, had directed the officials to remain prepared for the COVID-19 next wave and asked them to put a special focus on the health of children. A detailed record should be maintained at block and district levels to keep a tab on the health of children. CM added that the district magistrates need to have a village-wise plan ready for the next wave of the virus.
Proper Biomedical Waste Disposal to Contain COVID-19 Wave
Chief Minister also stressed on the need for proper biomedical waste disposal. Urban development department in municipalities and the Panchayati raj department in rural areas should ensure proper biomedical waste disposal. CM said that necessary action should be taken to prevent black marketing. Compliance of norms like wearing a mask and social distancing should be strictly followed.
Focus on Rural Areas to Contain COVID-19 Outbreak
The CM also laid thrust upon the need to focus more on the rural areas. “Effective implementation of decentralised planning should be ensured. The Asha and the ANM workers should be properly trained. The primary and the community health centres should also be prepared.”
To contain Covid-19 cases in rural areas, officials should involve gram sabhas as well. People living in remote areas should be provided with facilities like mobile testing vans, mobile labs, sampling vans for remote areas. Medical kits should be provided in rural pockets and quarantine centres in villages need to be equipped with necessary facilities.
CM further said that proposed and under-construction oxygen generation plants should be completed soon. “The oxygen supply has improved a lot in the state. Now, all our ICUs must be made operational soon. A real-time data entry of information related to Covid-19 needs to be maintained.”
Meanwhile, there is a need to increase the COVID-19 testing, especially in rural areas. Those coming from other states should be tested on priority. The participation of village committees in public awareness should be ensured.
Source / Reference Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-govt-launches-vatsalya-yojana-to-look-after-minors-orphaned-during-pandemic/articleshow/82865347.cms