There are many families who have faced a dead end in life due to Covid pandemic. The possibility of an increase in the number of such families as the epidemic sweeps through the country cannot be ruled out. The tragedy of losing the sole breadwinner of the family is indescribable. Such is the case with the sudden disappearance of the family head. Many times this is the tragedy faced by children who have lost their parents in Covid.

According to figures released by the central government two days ago, Covid has 577 orphaned children. Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani has assured that the government will never allow them to be left orphaned and will support them in all matters including their welfare and education.

It is commendable that Kerala has come up with a clear Covid action plan for the rehabilitation of orphaned children while the Center is in consultation. The action plan provides financial assistance in addition to educational assistance to children from families whose mothers and fathers have died of Covid.
Accordingly, a lump sum of Rs 3 lakh will be given to this category of children. In addition to this he will be given Rs.2000 per month till the age of eighteen. The government will also bear the cost of education up to the degree level. This is a great deed. It is also imperative that the authorities ensure the supervision of such children until they can stand on their own feet in matters of welfare and education.

The state had the lowest mortality rate in the world. It has been rising for the past few weeks. The total Covid death toll as of Thursday is 8063. Covid has left many families completely orphaned. It is also time for the society to come forward to find such families who have no way out even to lead their daily routine life and help them. Local bodies can easily find the most distressed families in Covid. The ongoing fight against the epidemic in the country is mainly focused on disease and prevention. The Central and State Governments need to think of a humane action plan to bring the orphaned families in Covid back into the mainstream life.