AI SummaryAshirbad: Scheme for Specially Cared Children provides monthly maintenance, health coverage and educational support to children across Odisha who lost their parents or the primary breadwinner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government of Odisha started this scheme in 2021 and approved its continuation for 2026, so eligible children are getting their support payments again.
Ashirbad: Scheme for Specially Cared Children works on in-situ rehabilitation. A child continues life in a familiar, family-based environment and caregivers or extended family members get the encouragement they need to provide the best possible care.
Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Odisha, manages this scheme as a safety cover for children who lost both parents or their primary breadwinner on or after 1 April 2020. It strengthens earlier support measures like Biju Sishu Surkshya Yojana and the Juvenile Justice Fund. For quick reference, the Odisha Ashirbad Scheme article covers the basic features of the yojana.
In August 2026, the state resumed Ashirbad scheme payments for more than 50,000 children, including 1,581 in Sundargarh district. Dues for March and April 2026 are already credited to beneficiary accounts. Payments for May, June and July are expected in a single instalment shortly, and from August 2026 monthly payments will be released regularly as per the scheme guidelines.
Ashirbad: Scheme for Specially Cared Children - Key Details
Here are the main points of the scheme at a glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Ashirbad: Scheme for Specially Cared Children |
| Launched By | Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Odisha |
| Beneficiary State | Odisha |
| Beneficiaries | Children who lost parents or primary breadwinner due to COVID-19 |
| Monthly Support | ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 |
| Application Mode | Online through official portal and through District Child Protection Unit |
| Official Website | ashirbad.odisha.gov.in |
Benefits
The scheme gives tiered monthly financial support based on the care category of the child.
| Category | Monthly Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Children in Kith and Kin Care (Category 2A and 2B) | ₹2,500 |
| Children in Institutional Care (Category 2A and 2B) | ₹1,000 |
| Children Living with Remaining Parent (Category 2C) | ₹1,500 |
Besides the cash payment, each eligible child also gets the following support:
- Health coverage under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
- Food support under the National Food Security Act or State Food Security Scheme.
- Free education in the current school, or help with admission into OAV, KV or other government schools if the child changes location.
- Linkage with the Green Passage Scheme for higher education.
- Priority for housing schemes if the family is eligible.
- Asset protection monitored by the Child Welfare Committee.
Eligibility
A child is eligible if the parent or primary breadwinner died on or after 1 April 2020. The scheme covers the following categories of specially cared children:
- Category 2(A) - Child lost both parents.
- Category 2(B) - Child lost a single parent, including cases where the other parent passed away earlier.
- Category 2(C) - Child lost the primary breadwinner but lives with the remaining parent.
Application Process
Eligible families can apply online through the official Ashirbad portal or through the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in their area. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Ashirbad portal at ashirbad.odisha.gov.in and open the online registration page, or go to the local District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) office for help.
STEP 2 - Fill in the child details and submit the required documents along with the application form.
STEP 3 - The DCPU will carry out a Social Investigation Report (SIR) to verify the details.
STEP 4 - The District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) will process the claim within 30 days of submission.
STEP 5 - Qualified children get a Specially Cared Child certificate and an identity card to access the benefits.
STEP 6 - The Collector and District Magistrate will sanction the final benefit amount and regular follow-up visits will be conducted to monitor the child's well-being.
If any problem comes up, the Collector and District Magistrate act as the main complaint help authority for the scheme.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying for the scheme:
- Death certificate of the deceased parent or primary breadwinner.
- Valid identity proof of the child.
- Specially Cared Child certificate issued by DCPU.
- Formal order from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Social Investigation Report (SIR).
References
Official Ashirbad Yojana Portal
Ashirbad Scheme Official Guidelines PDF
Department of Women and Child Development Official Website
FAQ's
Who is considered a specially cared child?
A child who lost both parents, a single parent or the primary breadwinner on or after 1 April 2020 is eligible under the scheme.
Does the scheme provide help if both parents have passed away?
Yes, children who lost both parents get ₹2,500 per month for maintenance along with health and education benefits.
Can a child receive benefits while living with relatives?
Yes, children in kith and kin care get monthly financial support with approval from the Child Welfare Committee.
What amount does a child receive while living with the remaining parent?
A child living with a surviving parent gets ₹1,500 per month for health and educational needs.
Does the scheme help with school changes?
Yes, if a child moves to live with relatives, the government helps with admission into local government schools or Kendriya Vidyalayas.
Who handles complaints regarding the scheme?
The Collector and District Magistrate handle complaint help and can be approached if any issue comes up.
Are Ashirbad scheme payments resumed in 2026?
Yes, the state resumed payments in August 2026. March and April dues are credited, May to July dues are expected in one instalment, and regular monthly payments will continue from August 2026.