SRINAGAR: In order to ensure immediate compilation of the details of all deaths caused due to Covid-19 and children affected thereof to identify children in need of care and protection, a meeting of the District Level Task Force(DLTF) for providing care and protection to children affected and infected by COVID-19 was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here today.
The meeting also reviewed the measures taken under the recently launched Special Assistance Scheme for Covid mortalities (SASCM/ Saksham) scheme aimed at providing special Financial Assistance in the shape of Pension and Scholarships to those families who have lost their sole bread earners due to Covid pandemic.
On the occasion, the DC directed the Child Welfare Committee to immediately take steps about the rehabilitation of children orphaned due to Covid-19 which may include Adoption, Foster care, Sponsorship etc.
The DC directed for providing psychological and counselling support to such children and timely referral of children infected with covid to treatment centres along with ensuring nutritional support during the post covid period.
The SACSM is a Special Scheme launched by the Government to provide financial assistance to families who have lost their only bread earner due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The DC said that the J&K Government has adopted a comprehensive approach, by creating a Special Cell in the Social Welfare Department to identify and track support to these families over time, in the spirit of leaving no one behind. Under the scheme, cash assistance of Rs 1000 per month shall be provided to spouse and the eldest member of the family.
Apart from this, the scheme provides for a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum for school going students and Rs 40,000 per annum for college going students. A family in distress shall be eligible for scholarship for two children, if they are not getting any other scholarship.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer Mohammed Yaseen Lone, Chief Medical Officer Srinagar Dr Jameel, District Social Welfare Officer, District Child Protection Officer, Child Welfare Committee and other concerned.