The Maharashtra government will form a task force in every district to protect children orphaned by COVID-19, an official said on Monday.

The task force will be headed by collectors and will comprise commissioners of civic bodies, police chiefs, rural health officials etc of the district, a state government release said.

Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Yashomati Thakur said children getting orphaned due to COVID- 19 was becoming a social problem, adding that the state government would ensure they are nurtured, get protection as well as education.