The Odisha government has suddenly discontinued a special scheme ‘Ashirvad’ for children, who were losing their parents to COVID-19, barely three and half months after its launch.

The State government had on June 20 announced ₹2,500 a month for children, who lost both their parents, in the pandemic.

The comprehensive package was meant for orphans while beneficiaries were divided into three categories — children who lost parents and one of earning parents.

Source: The Hindu