MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi, Madan Lal Bagga, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina and Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney distributed cheques to 93 beneficiaries under the Sponsorship and Foster Care scheme on Tuesday. Under the Sponsorship program, children belonging to widowed, divorced, singled mothers, orphans, disabled, and other vulnerable situations receive Rs. 4000 per month until the age of 18.
This support helps them grow in their families or extended families while continuing their education. The MLAs and DC emphasized the Punjab government's commitment to the welfare of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable children and the protection of their rights.
She highlighted that the scheme is part of the Mission Vatsalya program, aimed at implementing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, to ensure proper care, protection, development, treatment, and social rehabilitation of children living in difficult conditions, as well as children's interests. They explained that the scheme is being implemented under the Aadhaar card-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring direct disbursement of benefits to the beneficiaries.
Children from families with an annual income of up to Rs 96000 in urban areas and Rs 72000 in rural areas are eligible. Those interested can get information about the scheme, eligibility, etc. from the District Child Protection Unit or Child Welfare Committee of the concerned district and submit their application accordingly.