As many as 577 children across the country were orphaned after their parents died to Covid-19, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said citing reports of states and union territories from April 1 till Tuesday.
She also said that the government is committed to support and protect every vulnerable child who lost both parents to Covid.
Asserting that these children are not abandoned and are under the watch and protection of district authorities, govt sources told PTI that if such children need counselling a team at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences is ready.
Tthere is no shortage of funds for ensuring the welfare of these children, govt sources told PTI.