Financial Assistance To Ex-Convicts

Description
The scheme “Financial Assistance to Ex-Convicts” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. This scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice to help those released from jail from poor economic conditions to find their livelihood. As part of this scheme, one-time financial assistance is provided to those released from jail to find self-employment and start some small Industry/Trade as part of social rehabilitation. The age-old idea was that the offender should be confined to prison and kept away from the community as long as possible. But, in the course of time, it has been realized that the protection of society is better ensured if the offender is corrected and reformed through individualized treatments. Therefore, the Government of Kerala has started this scheme and providing financial assistance to them. Thus, by utilizing this amount of assistance Ex-Convicts shall be engaged in small-scale income-generating activities.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, the maximum amount of financial assistance is ₹15,000/- per person will be provided to the eligible beneficiary as one-time assistance.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should be Ex-Convict (released from jail from poor economic conditions).
3. The applicant should belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

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)
• Project proposal of the proposed work/business
• Release Certificate from Jail (or attestation from Superintendent of Jail where applicable)
• Copy of Bank Passbook- Bank account details
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Financial Assistance To Ex-Convicts” scheme?
A: This scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice to help those released from jail from poor economic conditions to find their livelihood. As part of this scheme, one-time financial assistance is provided to those released from jail to find self-employment and start some small Industry/Trade as part of social rehabilitation.

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: A person who is released from jail and wants to start some small Industry/Trade for his/her livelihood is eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for the Ex-Convicts/ Probationers?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for Ex-Convicts/ Probationers.

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 belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the maximum amount of financial assistance is [?]15,000/- per person will be provided to the eligible beneficiary.

Q: How many times a beneficiary can avail of the benefit under this scheme?
A: Only once a beneficiary can avail of the benefit under this scheme.

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