Financial Assistance To Visually Impaired Advocates

Description
The scheme “Financial Assistance to visually impaired Advocates” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided to visually impaired Advocates who are practicing in any one or more Courts in Kerala. The applicant under this scheme shall be eligible for an exgratia non-recurring grant for the purchase of books, provisional suits, etc., and they are being paid a reader& 39;s allowance for a period of 10 years.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Under the scheme, the Visually Impaired Advocates shall be eligible for an exgratia non-recurring grant of ₹3500/- for the purchase of books, provisional suits, etc.
• The Visually Impaired Advocates are also being paid a reader's allowance @ ₹5000/- per month for a period of 10 years.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should be a visually impaired Advocate.
3. The applicant should be an advocate practicing in any one or more Courts in Kerala.
4. The combined annual income of the applicant and his/her family from all sources shall not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.
5. **Note:** A person who becomes a reading assistant to advocates should at least pass the S.S.L.C. examination.

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

Registration Process:

Required Documents
• Identity card i.e. Aadhaar Card
• Mobile number
• Email id
• Passport size photo
• Medical Certificate from an eye specialist in case of a visually impaired advocate / Medical certificate from an Ortho specialist in case of an Orthopedically Handicapped advocate
• Certificate in the Prescribed Form from the Presiding Officer of any one of the Courts in a Court/Centre where the applicant is practicing, to the effect that the applicant is practicing as an Advocate in the Court /Centre.
• Income certificate issued by the concerned Village Officer in the prescribed form showing the combined annual income of the applicant and his family from all sources.
• Educational qualifications and professional certificate of both the advocate and reader assistant duly attested by a Gazetted Officer of the State Government.
• Bank details- Copy of Pass Book
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates” Scheme?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided to visually impaired advocates who are practicing in any one or more Courts in Kerala. The applicant under this scheme shall be eligible for an exgratia non-recurring grant for the purchase of books, provisional suits, etc., and they are being paid a reader's allowance for a period of 10 years.

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 visually impaired advocates practicing in any one or more Courts in Kerala are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for visually impaired Advocates?
A: Yes, only visually impaired advocates are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Are there any criteria for a reading assistant of advocates?
A: Yes, a person who becomes a reading assistant to advocates should at least pass the S.S.L.C. examination.

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

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the Visually Impaired Advocates shall be eligible for an exgratia non-recurring grant of [?]3500/- for the purchase of books, provisional suits, etc.

Q: How much amount of the reader’s allowance will be given to advocates?
A: The visually impaired advocates are also being paid a reader's allowance @ [?]5000/- per month for a period of 10 years.

Q: Is there any criterion for annual family income?
A: The combined annual income of the applicant and his/her family from all sources shall not exceed [?]1,00,000/-.

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