Varnam Scheme For Transgender Students Pursuing Distance Education Courses

Description
The scheme “Varnam Scheme for Transgender Students Pursuing Distance Education Courses” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. The Government has started this scheme for supporting Transgender students which provides financial assistance to Transgender students pursuing Degree/Diploma/ PG courses through distance education. Several Transgender students are not able to study regular courses in colleges but instead pursue Degree/Post Graduate courses via distance education. Due to their deprived financial conditions, they are unable to meet the expenses incurred for payment of Registration fees, Tuition fees, Exam fees, study materials, etc. Aims & Objectives: 1. Majority of the transgender persons are either dropouts or discontinue education in the early stages and due to the stigma the family members also disown them. Since they are unable to find a sustainable livelihood, they suffer financially. This scheme will support transgender students to complete their education successfully and earn a decent living and make them financially independent. 1. With the help of this distance education scheme, transgender students will be able to pursue their desired courses. 1. Transgender persons who are eligible for higher studies can complete their education and secure a decent job to lead a dignified life. This will encourage them to be self-sufficient and will open up a world of opportunities for such a target population.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Under the scheme, a maximum amount of ₹24,000/- will be provided annually to each eligible Transgender student.
• For students pursuing PG courses the assistance will be provided for 2 years and for Under Graduate students the assistance will be given for 3 years.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should be Transgender.
3. Transgender students pursuing Degree/Diploma/ PG courses from Open universities, Distance education, or Private registration are eligible to apply under the scheme.
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Required Documents
• Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar card
• Passport size photo
• Copy of Transgender Identity card / self-declaration statement mentioning that the applicant is a Transgender person.
• Copy of address proof (Aadhaar/ Voter’s ID card)
• Copy of previous semester examination hall ticket.
• The copy of bills/vouchers/receipts of registration fees, tuition fees, study materials, and examination fees have to be duly certified by District Social Justice Officers.
• Bank account details

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Varnam Scheme”?
A: The Government of Kerala has started this scheme for supporting Transgender students which provides financial assistance to Transgender students pursuing Degree/Diploma/ PG courses through distance education. Several Transgender students are not able to study regular courses in colleges but instead pursue Degree/Post Graduate courses via distance education. Due to their deprived financial conditions, they are unable to meet the expenses incurred for payment of Registration fees, Tuition fees, Exam fees, study materials, etc.

Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: (i) To support transgender students to complete their education successfully and earn a decent living and make them financially independent. (ii) To help transgender students to pursue their desired courses through distance education. (iii) Transgender persons who are eligible for higher studies can complete their education and secure a decent job to lead a dignified life. This will encourage them to be self-sufficient and will open up a world of opportunities for such a target population.

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 pursuing Degree/Diploma/ PG courses from Open universities, Distance education, or Private registration are eligible to apply under the 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?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, a maximum amount of [?]24,000/- will be provided annually to each eligible Transgender student.

Q: What types of courses are eligible under this scheme?
A: Degree, Diploma, and Post-Graduate courses from Open universities, Distance education, or Private registration

Q: For how many years the assistance will be given to the students pursuing PG courses?
A: For students pursuing PG courses, assistance will be provided for 2 years.

Q: For how many years the assistance will be given to the students pursuing Under Graduate courses?
A: For students pursuing Under Graduate courses, assistance will be provided for 3 years.

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 application form along with supporting documents has to be submitted through District Social Justice Office concerned.