Queency Jain –
The Central Government has sought more time to work on the mode of providing support under the “PM CARES for Children” scheme aimed at supporting and empowering children who lost their families due to Covid-19.
The request for extension of time comes after the Supreme Court in a suo moto case sought details of the scheme.
The government told that a high-level review meeting is conducted to discuss and delegate the steps to be taken to provide extra support to such children.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, in addition to this, informed the Court that the government is consulting with the states on the issue and Nodal officers have already been appointed to look into the matter.
The Court was also informed that District Magistrates are made responsible for the children orphaned.
Earlier, the Bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose asked the authorities to upload information of children orphaned on the portal of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights “Bal Swaraj” and take necessary steps to uplift and take care of their basic needs.
In conclusion, the court granted more time to the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing after summer vacations.