Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has extended the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme benefits to children abandoned by their parents and living in shelters, waiving key documentation requirements.

Currently, 1.43 crore families in the state are covered under the scheme, which offers up to Rs 5 lakh annually for medical expenses, requiring Aadhaar, family card, and proof of income (up to Rs 1.20 lakh per annum).

While 25,533 orphaned children residing in 834 shelters have already been receiving insurance cards without the need for Aadhaar or income proof, a separate category of 15,092 children — abandoned but not orphaned — faced difficulties due to documentation requirements.

To address the issue, the government has now exempted these children from furnishing Aadhaar, family cards, and income certificates to access medical benefits. The order has been issued by Public Welfare Department Secretary Senthil Kumar.