New Delhi, December 16, 2025:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday interacted with children registered under the PM CARES for Children scheme, reaffirming the Delhi government’s commitment to ensuring their holistic care, protection and long-term well-being. The interaction programme was held at the Delhi Secretariat and focused on providing emotional reassurance, administrative support and a sense of belonging to children who lost their parents, legal guardians or adoptive parents during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister spoke warmly with the children and enquired about their education, health, housing arrangements and emotional well-being. She assured them of all possible support from the government and underlined that the administration does not view these children merely as beneficiaries of a welfare scheme, but as members of its extended family. “The government stands with you at every stage of life,” she said, emphasising that the objective is to provide sustained care rather than temporary assistance.
As a gesture of affection, Rekha Gupta distributed chocolates to the children and personally introduced each child to the respective District Magistrate. The move was aimed at instilling confidence among the children that the administration is closely involved in their care and that support mechanisms are in place at every level. District Magistrates, senior officials and other dignitaries were present during the programme.
Reiterating the Delhi government’s commitment to the effective implementation of the PM CARES for Children scheme, the Chief Minister said that all provisions under the scheme are being implemented in a structured and sensitive manner. She added that wherever necessary, the government is prepared to further strengthen support systems to address the evolving needs of the children. According to her, the government’s goal is not limited to providing immediate relief, but to guide these children towards a secure, dignified and self-reliant future.
The Chief Minister informed that the PM CARES for Children scheme is being effectively implemented across Delhi, with District Magistrates designated as nodal officers. In this role, they act as guardians of the children and ensure continuous monitoring, care and coordination among departments. Regular follow-ups are being carried out to ensure that benefits related to education, health and overall welfare reach the children without delay.
The PM CARES for Children scheme was launched on May 29, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for children who lost their parents, legal guardians or adoptive parents during the Covid-19 pandemic that began in 2020. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive care and protection to affected children, support their overall development through access to education and healthcare, and help them achieve financial independence upon reaching the age of 23.
Under the scheme, children are entitled to a range of benefits including financial assistance, healthcare support, educational facilities and housing-related aid. The initiative is designed not only to safeguard children during their formative years but also to lay a strong foundation for their long-term development and self-reliant future.
Rekha Gupta said that the Delhi government remains fully committed to ensuring that no child covered under the scheme feels neglected or unsupported. She added that compassion, accountability and continuity form the core of the government’s approach, and that every effort is being made to ensure these children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment with access to opportunities that allow them to realise their full potential.
