Educational Assistance To Children Of Prisoners

Description
The scheme “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. There are many persons imprisoned, some for known reasons and others for unknown reasons. Once they are lodged in jail their families that are suffering the most. They get ostracized from society. Due to the lack of money, their children might be denied education at a very early age itself. This might have huge repercussions later it may lead to the birth of new criminals in society. Therefore, the government has initiated such a scheme that aims at bringing these people to the mainstream of society.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Under the scheme, scholarship/financial assistance will be provided to the children of prisoners for their expenses like food, clothing, school fees, etc. as under:
• Note: Degree/ Professional course must be in Government/ Aided colleges inside Kerala.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicants should be from Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
3. The applicants should be studying in Class- I to Degree/Professional Course.
4. The applicants (Children of Prisoners) whose parents are in jail are eligible to apply under the scheme.
5. **Note:** Financial aid can be provided to the children even though the relatives, who are liable to protect them and falls under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, provided both the parents are in jail, for that an inquiry report of the District Probation Officer is essential.

Application Process
Step 1: Registration Process:
Online — https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in

Registration Process:

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar card
• Mobile number
• Email id
• Passport size photo
• Copy of Ration Card (Submit the page containing the name of the ration card holder and the page containing the family members together)
• Certificate from the school attended by the student
• Affidavit of Jail Superintendent
• Bank details- Copy of Passbook
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the Government of Kerala is providing financial assistance/Scholarships to the children of prisoners. The Government has started the scheme to provide financial support to the families who are lodged in jail. Due to the lack of money, their children might be denied education at a very early age itself. This might have huge repercussions later it may lead to the birth of new criminals in society. Therefore, the government has initiated such a scheme that aims at bringing these people to the mainstream of society.

Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: The children of Prisoners whose parents are in jail are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for the children of Prisoners?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for the children of Prisoners.

Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala.

Q: Is this scheme only for Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
A: Yes, the applicants should be from Below Poverty Line (BPL) category only.

Q: Will financial assistance be provided to those children of prisoners living with their relatives’ falling under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category?
A: Yes, financial aid can be provided to the children even though the relatives, who are liable to protect them and falls under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, provided both the parents are in jail, for that an inquiry report of the District Probation Officer is essential.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the Government of Kerala is providing financial assistance/scholarships to the children of prisoners @ [?]500/- per month to [?]1500/- per month from Class- I to Degree/Professional Courses.

Q: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant should visit the Official Portal- SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal. https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in