Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar today chaired District Task Force meeting in his office chamber to discuss various measures for the care and protection of children affected by COVID-19 pandemic.Meeting was attended by the committee members comprising SSP Baramulla Rayees Ahmad Bhat,Joint Director Planning M.Yosuf, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohammad Rafiq Lone,CEO Baramulla, District Social Welfare Officer, District Child Protection Officer, Chairperson of Child Welfare Committee among other concerned functionaries.A comprehensive discussion on the subject was held wherein the DC emphasized upon the committee members to work in coordination and cooperation so that the requisite data is obtained within the stipulated timeframe. He also directed to submit the progress report on daily basis and work to sort out impediments, if any, as early as possible.Meanwhile, District Child Protection Officer Showkat Ahmad Showkat informed that the district task force is mandated to identify the children who were severely affected due to the death of their guardians by the pandemic. He added that the affected children having age below 18 years shall be provided scholarships worth Rs 2000 per month for the next three years under this centrally sponsored programme. He further informed that under the SAKSHAM welfare programme, Rs 20000 per annum shall also be provided to students upto 12th class and Rupees 40000 for graduate, PG and Other Professional Courses.