The Punjab Government has distributed 7 crore under the Sponsorship Foster Care Scheme, benefiting nearly 4,000 children in the state. This was revealed by cabinet minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a meeting with beneficiaries of the scheme at MIMIT College, Malout.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the department is continuously working to protect children’s rights and welfare. The
Sponsorship Scheme provides financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families to help them raise
their children in a family environment and continue their education. Under this scheme, children receive ₹4,000
per month until they reach 18 years of age.
The Minister further explained that families with an annual income of up to 92,000 in urban areas and 72,000
in rural areas are eligible for the scheme. Those interested in availing of this scheme can obtain information
about eligibility and application procedures from their district’s Child Protection Unit or Child Welfare
Committee.
Highlighting efforts to curb child begging, Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that the SSWCD Department has launched the “Project Jeevanjot” campaign to rescue and rehabilitate children engaged in begging. This initiative is conducted every second week of the month.