The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has expressed worry about over 50,000 children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic not receiving financial aid since March. The party criticized the state government for allegedly failing to provide assistance to these vulnerable children. According to the BJD, the government has halted the monthly financial support meant for orphaned children, causing distress in their care and upbringing.
The BJD highlighted that during the pandemic, more than 50,000 children in Odisha lost their parents and were left as orphans. Under the Ashirbad Scheme introduced by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the government used to provide monthly financial aid to these children. The party spokesperson mentioned that children who lost both parents were given Rs 2,500 per month, while those who lost one parent received Rs 1,500 monthly.
The financial aid was directly transferred to the bank accounts of relatives caring for the orphaned children or to the institutions where they lived. However, the government has reportedly ceased releasing this assistance since March, leading to a critical situation in the upbringing of these children. Despite the efforts of District Child Protection Officers in implementing the Ashirbad Scheme, they are now facing challenges due to the lack of financial aid from the government.
The BJD has demanded that the state government promptly release the pending dues and resume the monthly financial assistance for the orphaned children.
