Self-Employment Scheme For Dependents Of Prisoners

Description
The scheme “Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. The scheme is intended to rehabilitate the dependents of the indigent convicts. It aims to assist/encourage resource less wives, unemployed and unmarried sons, daughters etc. This scheme mainly includes children if they are students and women having children. Under the scheme, financial assistance shall be given only once for the dependents of a prisoner for the purpose and dependents are eligible for the assistance only during the period of imprisonment of the convict.

Exclusions
• The dependants of the convict who have crime records other than the undergoing one are not eligible for financial assistance under the scheme.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, the maximum amount of financial assistance to a family will be ₹30,000/- at a time.
• **Note:** Financial assistance shall be given only once for the dependents of a prisoner for the purpose.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicants should belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
3. Families of such convicts who had undergone imprisonment for a period of 5 years or above are eligible for financial assistance.
4. The families are eligible for the assistance only during the period of imprisonment of the convict.
5. The financial assistance will be provided to those eligible persons who have not availed the amount for the same purpose previously.
6. **Note 01:** Priority must be given to dependents (Husband/Wife, Unemployed, and Unmarried Son/Daughter).
7. **Note 02**: Other category of dependents includes daughters who are widowed/Legally divorced/abandoned by husband, Father/Mother below 55 years of age.

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 of Ward Member/Councillor
• Project proposal of the proposed work/business
• Copy of Bank Passbook- bank account details
• Affidavit of Jail Superintendent
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners” scheme?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance shall be given only once for the dependents of a prisoner for the purpose and dependents are eligible for the assistance only during the period of imprisonment of the convict. It aims to assist/encourage resourceless wives, unemployed and unmarried sons, daughters, etc.

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 dependents of the Prisoners who had undergone imprisonment for a period of 5 years or above are eligible for financial assistance.

Q: Is this scheme only for the dependents of Prisoners?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for the dependents 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 belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

Q: Are the dependent families only eligible for assistance during the period of imprisonment of the convict?
A: Yes, the families are eligible for assistance only during the period of imprisonment of the convict.

Q: How many times a family can avail of the benefit under this scheme?
A: Only once a family can avail of the benefit under this scheme and the financial assistance will be provided to those eligible persons who have not availed the amount for the same purpose previously.

Q: Who will get preference under the scheme?
A: The preference will be given to dependents (Husband/Wife, Unemployed, and Unmarried Son/Daughter).

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, the maximum amount of financial assistance to a family will be [?]30,000/- at a time.

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