Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of Women and Child Development is planning to give a bond on the lines of Bhagyalakshmi Bond to the children whose parents have died due to COVID-19, said Women and Child Development. Minister Shashikala Jolle.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, she said this issue will be discussed with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and then take a final decision. The Government is ready for rehabilitation of such children. 

She said a residential school has been opened for COVID positive children below 18 years of age. A Helpline -1098 has been started for early detection of virus among children and treat them accordingly, she added. Senior IAS Officer Mohan Raj has been appointed as Nodal Officer for this helpline, she said.

She said that many kids in the State have been orphaned as the pandemic has snuffed the lives of their parents. The Government has set up a system to help those kids whose parents are admitted to hospital for treatment or one died and another under treatment. 

Special Paediatric Covid Care Centres in districts 

The Minister said a special quarantine centre will be opened for children below 16 years. Besides, the Department will work on the special care for kids in the age group of 7-18 years and also identification of the special adoption centres. 

Special Paediatric Covid Care Centres will be opened in all 31 districts for treatment of children with mild symptoms. Symptomatic children will be admitted to taluk or district hospitals and Special Care Officers will be appointed to take care of such children. Pregnant and lactating women and children under the care of Anganwadi workers will be under strict observation.

Minister Shashikala Jolle said the Department will pay Rs. 30 lakh compensation to 12 Anganwadi workers who died due to Corona.