Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday launched the CM Shishu Seva scheme to provide financial assistance to children who have lost both their parents to Covid-19 in the state.

Addressing the media at the CM’s office at Janata Bhawan in Guwahati today, the CM announced a financial aid of Rs 7,67,300 will be deposited in the bank accounts of children orphaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

CM Sarma said that the one-time amount shall remain in the bank where it will pick up interest over a period of 24 years.

According to him, the children enrolled under this scheme will be able to access that amount after reaching the age of 24. During this period the amount will pick up an interest of Rs 3,500 every month, CM Sarma said.

Speaking further during the conference, CM Sarma mentioned that the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign will begin from August 13. Every household will have to either hoist or display the tricolor, he added.

Flags shall also be hoisted at temples, mosques and other places of worship. There has been an amendment to the flag code of the country, as such, flags can be prepared with any material of cloth, mentioned CM Sarma.

The Assam CM said, “Self-help groups have so far sold over 10 lakh flags, however, they cannot cover the demand of the entire state. We have bought 59 lakh flags from the central government which will be distributed at general stores to make them easily available to the people.”

“The price of a single flag has been set at Rs 18. We have also laid down instructions to raise and spread awareness about the campaign among the masses from August 2 to August 12,” he added.

The CM further urged citizens to gift flags to their neighbours, and kin, adding that those availing the Orunodoi scheme of the state government will further receive a sum of Rs 1,018 for purchasing a flag.