INDIA

Universities directed to create seats for COVID orphans
India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed universities to create supernumerary seats to accommodate COVID orphans under the PM Cares for Children Scheme. According to UGC, the higher education institutions have been advised to create such seats for children whenever they become eligible to pursue their higher education, writes Arnab Mitra for NDTV with PTI.The central government announced the scheme. The Ministry of Women and Child Development are identifying such children and they will be provided all possible support. The children will get a PM Cares for Children Scheme 2021 certificate by the ministry, UGC notification mentioned.
The government said 3,481 children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic were approved for benefits under the PM Cares for Children Scheme. The Ministry of Women and Child Development said as per the scheme portal, total applications registered as on 24 December were 6,098, of which 3,481 applications have been approved by district magistrates. It also said post office accounts have been opened for 3,275 beneficiaries under the scheme.
Full report on the NDTV site