J&K To Provide Monthly Pension, Student Scholarship To Families Of Covid Victims Under ‘Saksham’ Scheme

The Administrative Council of Jammu and Kashmir headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved a Special Assistance Scheme providing financial relief for Covid Mortalities (SASCM/Saksham) to the victims' families, said an official spokesperson.

The 'Saksham' scheme aims to ensure the livelihood of families who have lost their only breadwinner due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a meeting directed by Sinha, the Administrative Council also gave a nod to the formation of a special cell in the Social Welfare Department to facilitate the families of coronavirus victims and take advantage of various government schemes, including self-help financial assistance.

According to the spokesperson, under the new 'Saksham' scheme, the surviving spouses of the affected families and an elderly surviving member will be given a special monthly pension of Rs.1000 / - through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), if they are not getting pension under other schemes.

In addition, he said that the scheme would also provide special scholarships to the children of earning parents/siblings/guardians who have lost their lives in COVID-19.
The spokesperson also mentioned that special scholarships will be given to children pursuing standard 12th and higher education every year through DBT at a cost of Rs. 20,000 and 40,000.

The spokesperson stated, "The cell would include the Director General (Women and Child Development), Director (Social Welfare Kashmir/Jammu), Mission Director (ICPS), and representative of Finance Department."

Meanwhile, with the launch of these schemes, Jammu and Kashmir became the first Union Territory to provide relief to families affected by the Covid-19, he said.