<span style="color: #222222;">The Maharashtra Cabinet today gave its nod to deposit a one-time amount of Rs five lakh in the bank accounts of children who have lost both their parents due to COVID-19. This amount will be given to the child after he or she attains the age of 21 years along with the interest. The decision assumes significance as it will give a much needed support to such children who have become orphans. Besides, the expense of the child's upbringing would be borne from the child care scheme of the women and child development department of the state government. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR Correspondent reports, the scheme would be applicable to children between the age group of 0-18 years who have lost both their parents on 1st March 2020 or thereafter due to COVID-19 or those who have lost one parent due to COVID-19 and another parent due to some other reason and those who have lost one parent before 1st March 2020 and another parent due to coronavirus. The scheme is similar to the one implemented through PM CARES FUND. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The decision taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray further states that if the relatives of such children come forward to take care, then they would be given a grant from the child care fund of the women and child development department. The one time amount of Rs five lakh would be deposited in the joint account of the child and the district women and child development department officer. The government has constituted a district level taskforce and the collectors of respective districts will be the chairperson. The taskforce has been entrusted with the responsibility of collating the information of children who have become orphans after their parents died due to COVID-19. </span><br />''  <br />