The Prime Minister has approved a new scheme named "Naunihalon Ka Naya Savera", funded from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, to protect and take care of the special needs of children orphaned in the earth quake in Jammu and Kashmir. The devastating earthquake in J&K affected a large population, particularly the more vulnerable sections specially children, many of whom have lost their parents and other relations in the quake becoming destitute, homeless orphans.

The Scheme will ensure survival, protection and development of these children by extending care, food and nutrition, health services, shelter, education, and rehabilitation. Surveys show that there are about 3000 orphaned children who need immediate care, shelter and protection.

The scheme will see that an amount of Rs 5 lakhs is placed in a fixed deposit in the name of the orphaned child and the interest accrued on this amount will be utilized for supporting the child until he/she reaches the age of 18 years. The entire amount of assistance required to implement the scheme will be made available from the PM's National Relief Fund. The Prime Minister has approved an initial grant of Rs 17.5 crore to cover 350 orphaned children pending a final verification of the total number of affected children.

The orphaned children will be placed in appropriate good orphanages being run in the State of Jammu and Kashmir by both the government and Voluntary Agencies / NGOs. The Prime Minister has requested the State Government to take immediate steps to start the process of identification of the orphaned children and tie up details of the implementation.