Saphalam Scheme For Transgender Students Pursuing Professional Courses

Description
The “Saphalam Scheme for Transgender Students Pursuing Professional Courses” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. The Transgender community faces severe problems such as discrimination and infringement of rights. It is the responsibility of the government to provide special privileges to such target groups, bringing them to the mainstream of society by ensuring social rehabilitation. Due to a lack of proper education and social stigma in society, the Transgender community is also subjected to severe unemployment. Thus, the Social Justice Department has rolled out this innovative scheme that provides financial assistance to Transgender students pursuing Degree/Diploma level professional courses. This scheme would provide an opening to Transgender students who possess high technical/professional competence. Those students who have qualified for such professional courses and suffer from financial constraints can continue their education uninterrupted which in turn would increase their employment opportunities and help them to secure a good job and thereby lead a quality life.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, financial assistance up to ₹1,00,000/- per year will be provided to transgender students for pursuing professional courses at the degree/diploma level.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be Transgender.
2. The applicant should be a resident of Kerala.
3. Transgender students who have secured admission in merit seats in Government, Aided/Self-financing colleges are eligible under this scheme.
4. Transgender students who secure admission for courses MBBS, Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), and BSc Agriculture in Government colleges are eligible.
5. Transgender students pursuing Diploma level government-accredited courses are also eligible.
6. Transgender students who have completed 18 years must submit a copy of their Transgender ID card.
7. Those Transgender students who are below 18 years must submit a self-declaration statement duly certified by the Head of Institution/Parent.

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

Registration Process:

Required Documents
• Identity card i.e. Aadhaar Card, Election ID/ Voter ID
• Transgender students above 18 years of age should submit a copy of their Transgender ID card.
• Transgender students who have not completed 18 years of age should produce self-declaration with attestation of parent/head of the institution.
• Mobile number
• Email id
• Passport size photo
• Self-declaration Affidavit stating that the applicant is Transgender.
• Bank details- Copy of Pass Book
• A certificate from the institution/supervisors regarding admission on a merit basis
• Educational Certificates/Course Certificates
• Letter pad of the College/Institution with attached certificate of fee details
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Saphalam Scheme”?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance is to be provided to transgender students pursuing Degree/ Diploma level professional courses. This scheme would provide an opening to Transgender students who possess high technical/professional competence.

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: Transgender students who have secured admission in merit seats in Government, Aided/Self-financing colleges, and pursuing professional courses at the degree/diploma level are eligible under this scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for transgender students?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for transgender students.

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

Q: Is there any income limit to apply under the scheme?
A: No, there is no income limit.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance up to [?]1,00,000/- per year will be provided to transgender students for pursuing professional courses at the degree/diploma level.

Q: Does the Transgender ID card mandatory to submit for all students?
A: No, only the Transgender students who have completed 18 years need to submit a copy of their Transgender ID card and those students who are below 18 years need to submit a self-declaration statement duly certified by the Head of Institution/Parent.

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