The Cabinet has approved expanding the ‘Artha’ programme to include more vulnerable children.

The programme provides a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 for children under institutional care or guardianship.

New beneficiaries include children affected by Cyclone “Divya”, including those who have lost one or both parents.

Children identified by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services as living in unsafe conditions due to social or economic factors will also be included.

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs.