Rajasthan Child Rights Commission to identify children for COVID-19 relief

Those in rural areas had borne pandemic brunt because of poverty and vulnerability, says chairperson

The Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights will render assistance to voluntary groups in the identification of children who have lost their parents to the COVID-19 infection, for a financial relief package announced by the State government. The orphans will get an ex gratia of ₹1 lakh each, followed by a financial assistance every month. Commission chairperson Sangeeta Beniwal said here on Monday though the pandemic had affected all sections during the last one year, children in the rural areas had borne the brunt because of poverty and vulnerability. Coupled with the child labour, the pandemic had brought havoc to children, she said. Ms. Beniwal said at a virtual event here the community participation at the grassroots would help eradicate child labour and extend relief to the children affected by the pandemic. Banswara-based Vaagdhara group, which is working on the livelihood issues in the tribal areas, organised the event, attended by social activists and child rights volunteers.