A sum of Rs 5 lakh has been kept aside as fixed deposit for each of the 869 children who became orphans due to COVID-19 in Maharashtra, the state government said on Thursday.

In a written response to a question in the legislative council, Woman and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare said, “A sum of R5 lakh has been kept for each of the 869 children who lost their parents in COVID-19 till July 7, 2023.”