TheUttarakhandgovernment has identified 2,600 child and 219 adult beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana, launched to help state residents below the age of 21 years who were orphaned during the Covid-19pandemic.

According to the preliminary data compiled by the , at least 2,600 children (below 18 years of age) have lost both their parents toCovid-19in the state since the outbreak of the pandemic. Besides, 219 others, in the age group of 18-21 years, were orphaned during the pandemic.

The latest data from the state Women Empowerment and child development department reveals that 1,706 children, who were orphaned during the pandemic, are being provided free Education (till Class XII) and are being given a stipend of Rs 3,000 per month under the Mukhyamantri Vatsalya Yojana.