Shreshtam Scheme For Ensuring Participation Of PwDs In Arts & Sports

Description
The scheme “Shreshtam Scheme for Ensuring Participation of PwDs in Arts & Sports” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. The Government of Kerala has started the scheme to ensure equal opportunities for PwDs in sports and recreation activities equally along with others without discrimination. Under the scheme, support will be provided to persons with disabilities who have showcased special talent and expertise in arts and sporting activities. The objective of the scheme is to ensure access, inclusion, and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the field of arts and sports. This scheme will enable such promising talents to undergo specialized training in State/National Academies/Centres which will help them to increase their potential and competence level. This scheme will encourage and mainstream Persons with Disabilities to accomplish great achievements and help them to be self-sufficient.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, a maximum amount of ₹10,000/- will be provided to each beneficiary who has showcased their talents in State/ National level championships.
• **Note:** The amount will be provided to a total of 10 beneficiaries from each district of Kerala.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The participants who have showcased their talents in arts and sporting activities in State/ National level championships will be eligible to apply.
3. The applicant should be a Person with Disability (PwD) having 40% or more disability.
4. The annual family income of the applicant should be below ₹1,00,000/-.
5. The applicant should be undergoing training from State/National Academies/Centers.

Required Documents
• Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar card
• Passport size photo
• Merit certificate
• Admission details from Academy/Training Centre
• Copy of Disability Certificate
• Copy of Ration card
• Income Certificate
• Copy of bank passbook

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Shreshtam Scheme”?
A: The Government of Kerala has started the scheme to ensure equal opportunities for PwDs in sports and recreation activities equally along with others without discrimination. Under the scheme, support will be provided to persons with disabilities who have showcased special talent and expertise in arts and sporting activities.

Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The objective of the scheme is to ensure access, inclusion, and effective participation of persons with disabilities in the field of arts and sports.

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 participants who have showcased their talents in arts and sporting activities in State/ National level championships will be eligible to apply.

Q: Is this scheme only for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Q: What should be the percentage of disability to apply under the scheme?
A: The applicant should have 40% or more disability.

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

Q: What is the income criterion to apply under the scheme?
A: The annual family income of the applicant should be below [?]1,00,000/-.

Q: Shall only the applicant be eligible to apply who is undergoing training from State/National Academies/Centres?
A: Yes, the applicant should be undergoing training from State/National Academies/Centres.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, a maximum amount of [?]10,000/- will be provided to each beneficiary who has showcased their talents in State/ National level championships.

Q: How many beneficiaries will get the amount in a district?
A: A total of 10 beneficiaries from each district of Kerala will get the amount.

Q: Where can I get the application form?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant needs to visit the nearest District Social Justice Office and collect the application form. The application form can also be downloaded from the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. http://sjd.kerala.gov.in

Q: Where shall I submit the application form?
A: The duly filled application form along with necessary supporting documents has to be submitted through District Social Justice Office concerned.