In its affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court of India, NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) disclosed that more than half of the children orphaned or abandoned in the pandemic until May 29 this year the age group of 4-13 years.

Out of the total of 9346, 5226 (56%) are in the above-mentioned group, while 788 are below 3 years of age and 3332 falls under the 14-17 age group.

The gender split-up of this 9346 shows 4860 boys and 4486 girls are among the sufferers, informed NCPCR the Supreme Court based on the data collected from Bal Swaraj, maintained by district officials.

Also, it has been told that 275 are in children care homes, 38 in orphanages, 31 are waiting in special adoption agencies, 18 in open shelter homes and 1 in an observation home. The Uttar Pradesh state accounts for most such destitute (2110), followed by Bihar (1327), then Kerala (952). Recently concluded election state West Bengal reports 1 orphan child while the National Captial Delhi reported 5, 2 orphans and 3 living with single parent.