Snehasparsham

Description
The Government of Kerala has launched the “Snehasparsham” scheme to protect and help unwed mothers. The problems of unwed mothers are linked with various socio-economic and cultural variables. In Kerala, this problem is coupled with the ignorance and exploitation of the backward classes. It has been pointed out that there are many women in Wayanad and other districts of Kerala who are victims of social exploitation and atrocities and are often forced to become unmarried mothers. Unwed mothers have a special need for education, employment, and health care especially reproductive and child health. Quite often they are neglected from the mainstream of life. The percentage of abortion-related hazards and death is high among teenage unwed mothers. As a part of this scheme, the Government is giving ₹1000/- per month to them. One curious fact that can be noted is that the women who are exploited never blame the person who caused their misery, largely due to their style of living. At a young age, they long for love and care. Their husbands do not stay with them for long. They go in search of jobs and sometimes do not come back. Their place is taken up by someone else whom these women believe in. Therefore, their condition becomes pathetic and it becomes necessary to address their problems too.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• Under the scheme, financial assistance of ₹1000/- per month will be given to unwed mothers.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should be an unwed mother.
3. The applicant should be under 65 years.
4. The applicant should not be a recipient of any other pension schemes of the government.
5. **Note:** The applicant must be an account holder in a post office.

Required Documents
• Attested copy of Aadhaar card/confirmation slip received after Aadhaar card registration
• Passport-size photograph
• Copy of the post office account passbook
• Attested copy of ration card.
• Residence certificate
• Any other documents, if required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Snehasparsham” scheme?
A: The Government of Kerala has launched the "Snehasparsham" scheme to protect and help unwed mothers. The problems of unwed mothers are linked with various socio-economic and cultural variables. In Kerala, this problem is coupled with the ignorance and exploitation of the backward classes. It has been pointed out that there are many women in Wayanad and other districts of Kerala who are victims of social exploitation and atrocities and are often forced to become unmarried mothers. Unwed mothers have a special need for education, employment, and health care especially reproductive and child health. Quite often they are neglected from the mainstream of life. The percentage of abortion-related hazards and death is high among teenage unwed mothers.

Q: What is the aim of the scheme?
A: The aim of this scheme is to protect and help unwed mothers in the state of Kerala.

Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance of [?]1000/- per month will be given to unwed mothers.

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: The unwed mother in Kerala is eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: What is the age limit to apply under the scheme?
A: The applicant should be under 65 years.

Q: Is this scheme only for unwed mothers?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for unwed mothers.

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

Q: Can an applicant who is a recipient of any other pension schemes of the Government be eligible to apply under the scheme?
A: No, the applicant should not be a recipient of any other pension schemes of the government.

Q: Is it mandatory for an applicant to have an account in a post office?
A: Yes, the applicant must be an account holder in a post office.

Q: Where can an applicant get the application form?
A: The application form can be downloaded from the official website of Kerala Social Security Mission. https://socialsecuritymission.gov.in/vmcatalogue/notifications/b3713dd7b121ac75d6623a48aa756211.pdf

Q: How can an applicant avail of the benefits of the scheme?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the application form duly filled is to be submitted at the nearest Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Officer, Kerala, or District Social Justice Officer, Kerala.