Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families

Description
The scheme “Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families” was launched by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. The number of women-headed families in Kerala is very high. The majority of these families are living in deplorable conditions. The scheme proposes to extend a helping hand to these families by providing financial assistance for children& 39;s education. The women belong to Below Poverty Line BPL families/Priority families Children of HIV/AIDS affected persons, socially discriminated persons, war widows, etc. are eligible irrespective of their BPL status . A family in which the husband of a woman is bedridden and unable to cover livelihood, due to stroke/or spinal injury can also get benefits under this scheme.

Exclusions
• The child who avails of any other scholarship is not eligible for the assistance. A certificate for this has to be obtained from the head of the educational institution where the child studies.

Benefits
• 1. Category I - Children below 5 years and between 1st to 5th standard: ₹300/- per month
• 2. Category II - Between 6th to 10th standard: ₹500/- per month
• 3. Category III - Plus one (11th Standard) & Plus two (12th Standard): ₹750/- per month
• 4. Category IV - Degree and above: ₹1000/- per month

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should belong to the Below Poverty Line Family.
3. HIV/AIDS-affected persons, socially discriminated persons, war widows, etc. are eligible irrespective of their BPL status.
4. A family in which the husband of the woman is bedridden and not able to cover livelihood, due to stroke/or spinal injury is eligible to apply under the scheme.
5. Only two children’s per family are eligible for this scheme.
6. The child should study in Government or Government aided School or College.

Required Documents
• Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar card etc.
• Passport-size photograph
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) card
• Residence proof
• Ration card
• Educational details of the child (previous exam mark sheet and bonafide certificate)
• Bank account details
• A certificate from the head of the educational institution where the child studies that the child is not availing of any other scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families” scheme?
A: The scheme "Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families" proposes by the Government of Kerala to extend a helping hand to these families by way of providing financial assistance to the education of children. The women belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families/Priority families (Children of HIV/AIDS affected persons, socially discriminated persons, war widows etc. are eligible irrespective of their BPL status).

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

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance of [?]300/- to [?]1000/- is provided to the education of children.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: Women Headed Below Poverty Line (BPL) Families and the family in which husband of woman is bedridden and not able to cover livelihood, due to stroke/or spinal injury will be eligible to apply under this scheme.

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

Q: Who will be given priority under the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the priority will be given to HIV/AIDS affected persons, socially discriminated persons, war widows etc. are eligible irrespective of their BPL status.

Q: How many children in a family are eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: Only two children's per family are eligible for this scheme.

Q: Can a child study in private school/college be eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: No, the child should study in Government or Government aided School or College.

Q: Can a child availing of any other scholarship be eligible for the assistance?
A: No, the child who avail of any other scholarship is not eligible for the assistance.

Q: Where can I get the application form?
A: The application form can collected from Child Development Project Officer through Anganwadi Workers or it can be downloaded from the Official Website of Social Justice Department, Kerala. http://sjd.kerala.gov.in

Q: Where will I submit the application form?
A: The duly filled application form along with the documents prescribed will be forwarded to the concerned District Social Justice Office, Kerala.