The government has announced that it will introduce a new bank account system called ‘Artha’ aimed at securing the future of probationers, children’s homes and street children.
The initiative is designed to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to 9,191 children, and a budget of Rs. 1 billion has been allocated for it this year.
Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (14), Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savitri Paulraj said that the program seeks to ensure the safety of children until they are able to lead an independent life.
“Children who have been abandoned or orphaned due to various circumstances should receive the same protection, love and opportunities to build their future as any other child,” the minister added.
According to her, all persons below the age of 18 will qualify as children under the program.
In the case of institutionalized children, the allowance will be provided directly to the relevant institutions to protect their right to education up to the age of 16.
She further stated that 9,191 children in 356 Child Development Centers across the island will benefit from this program.
Of the monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000, Rs. 3,000 will be directed to institutions and Rs. 2,000 will be credited to newly established Artha accounts. Beneficiary children can access it after completing 18 years of age.
Minister Paulraj said that the program to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to children in detention centers, child development centers or with a guardian and street children will begin today (15).
She stated that children who have lost their parents, lost their guardianship or are under the custody of both the mother and father or one of them, as well as orphaned and abandoned children, will be provided institutional care in detention centers and child development centers.
By the end of 2024, it is reported that around 9,191 children will be receiving residential care in 356 child development centres run by the government, voluntary organisations and NGOs across the country.
Minister Paulraj said that under this programme, an amount of Rs. 3,000 will be provided to the relevant development centre hosting the child or to the guardian through the National Savings Bank (NSB) for education, health and other welfare expenses.
She further added that an amount of Rs. 2,000 will be deposited monthly in the name of the child in an NSB savings account for future use. The money will be credited to the relevant accounts on the 10th of every month.