Orphanage in Karnal struggles to feed kids due to lockdown

The orphanage, MDD Bal Bhawan, largely relies on charity to provide food, shelter and education to children.

A government shelter in Karnal is struggling to feed around 100 orphans in its charge due to the ongoing lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus.

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The orphanage, MDD Bal Bhawan, largely relies on charity to provide food, shelter and education to children. However, it is facing a shortage as outsiders are not being allowed to enter the Bhawan due to lockdown.

Founder and general secretary Dr PR Nath said, “At present, we have 100 children, including 49 girls. Our per day expenditure is around ₹10,000. But now donors are unable to reach us and we are facing trouble arranging ration for the children. Though, there is facility for online transactions for donations but most of our donors do not prefer using it,” he added.

The government pays ₹200 per child per month but this year we have not received the complete grant.

“We only received ₹10 lakh from the government two days ago. However, it was not sufficient as we had to clear dues worth ₹7.50 lakh,” he said, adding, “The orphanage largely depends on donations and it will be difficult for us to feed the children without it.”

Karnal deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav said, “I have deputed some officials who ensure that they get the required essential items without delay.”