Arunachal Pradesh Government Expands Support for Orphans and Underprivileged Groups
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Synopsis
The Arunachal Pradesh government has broadened the Chief Minister's Bal Seva Scheme to include all registered orphans and has increased pension amounts under the Chief Minister's Social Security Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance support for vulnerable groups across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of CMBSS to all registered orphans.
- Monthly support of Rs 1,500 for orphaned children.
- Pension increases by Rs 300 for various categories.
- Widow pension eligibility lowered to 18 years.
- Benefits over 50,000 individuals through new measures.
Itanagar, April 3 (NationPress) The Arunachal Pradesh government announced on Wednesday that it will broaden the reach of the Chief Minister's Bal Seva Scheme (CMBSS) and has increased the pension under the Chief Minister’s Social Security Scheme (CMSSS), according to officials.
An official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the Cabinet convened on Wednesday, presided over by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and concluded that the CMBSS will now assist all registered orphaned children throughout the state. Initially, the scheme was limited to orphans affected by Covid-19.
“With this expansion, the scheme will now include all orphaned children registered under the Baal Swaraj Portal, those living in Child Care Institutions, and those classified as ‘Child in Need of Care and Protection’ under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015,” the official informed the press.
These children will receive financial support of Rs 1,500 monthly until they reach 18 years old, which will supplement any other aid provided under the Mission Vatsalya scheme as per the Juvenile Justice Act. Additionally, beneficiaries who advance to Class-11, college, or vocational courses will also be provided with a laptop or tablet.
The CMO representative indicated that in a significant move to enhance social welfare, the Cabinet has sanctioned increases in pension amounts under the CMSSS.
The pension amounts across all three categories of the scheme—old age pension, disability pension, and widow pension—have been raised by Rs 300 monthly.
Moreover, the age requirement for eligibility to receive the widow pension has been reduced from 40 to 18 years, making the Chief Minister’s Widow Pension Scheme universal.
The increases and the adjustment in age criteria for the widow pension scheme aim to empower the elderly, differently-abled individuals, and widows, benefitting over 50,000 recipients through enhanced social security measures.
