UP’s Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana to benefit 5,000 child labourers – Times of India

Under the scheme, children aged between eight to 18 years, who are engaged in work within the organized or unorganized sectors, and contribute to their family’s income can benefit from this initiative. For this, the government gives monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200 to selected boys and girls, respectively. If these children pass classes 8, 9 and 10, they will be given an additional amount of Rs 6,000 for clearing each standard.
The financial assistance is in lieu of the income generated by these children so that they get enrolled in schools and focus on their studies. The scheme covers sectors such as agriculture, self-employment, home-based establishments, domestic work, and other forms of labor.

According to the principal secretary, labour and employment department, Anil Kumar, the scheme was started by CM Adityanath Yogi during Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. “We have successfully achieved the target of enrolling 2,000 children. Given the scheme’s effectiveness and positive outcomes, various organizations and institutions have offered suggestions to expand its coverage,” Kumar said.
However, there are certain conditions for receiving financial assistance. First, the amount will be provided to the covered beneficiary (working child or adolescent) only till the completion of maximum five years or class 10 (whichever is earlier). Children enrolled in the scheme should attain minimum 70% attendance in school. The same will be certified by the school headmaster.
The beneficiaries will be registered using their Aadhaar number on the e-tracking system. In the absence of an Aadhar number, children obtain the Aadhar number within three months of joining. However, all financial assistance will be given only after the possession of the Aadhar card. The amount of financial assistance will be transferred to the bank account of the concerned beneficiary and a message will be sent to their registered mobile phone.
The scheme extends to children who have either lost one or both parents or where parents’ are disabled or suffering from incurable disease. Besides, working children who belong to families having no piece of land will also be benefitted under the scheme.