The Delhi government on Tuesday promised free education to children orphaned by COVID.  A sum of Rs 2,500 per month (till they turn 25) and their education will be funded by the Delhi government, asserted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as he announced a series of welfare measures for poverty- and disaster-hit families. 

The state government has announced to provide 10 kg of free rations this month to 72 lakh poor families under the AAP government scheme and Central scheme. “Each month a 5 kg ration is given at a subsidized rate. But this month they (poor families) will get it free. Over and above this another 5 kg is being given under PM’s schemes… so a total of 10 kg of ration will be given free this time,” Mr Kejriwal said in a brief televised statement. 

“Not everyone has a ration card and they can’t be issued at such short notice… so, in good faith whoever says they need free ration because they are poor, will get it,” he further added. 

Additionally, he announced Rs 2,500 per month to families who have lost their sole bread-makers to COVID along with the Rs 50,000 ex-gratia.

Delhi is the third state in the row to announce financial support and free education for children whose parents have died because of COVID19. This week itself, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have also announced providing free education and financial assistance to children orphaned due to COVID19.