The Scheme “Advocate Grant” was launched by the Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala during the year 2012-13. Under this scheme, a financial grant is provided to law graduates belonging to backward classes who face financial difficulties in starting their legal practice. The scheme aims to increase OBC representation in the judiciary by supporting young advocates.
Benefits
- A grant of ₹12,000 per year will be provided to law graduates enrolled before the Bar Council.
- The grant will be provided for three consecutive years to help them establish their practice.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Advocate Grant, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- Belong to the State Backward Community (OBC) of Kerala.
- Hold a Law Degree (LLB).
- Be enrolled as an Advocate with the Kerala Bar Council.
- Have started practicing law within Kerala.
- Have a family income of ₹1,00,000/- or less per annum.
Preference Criteria
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) candidates will be given preference.
- Candidates with lower annual family income will be prioritized.
- In case of a tie, preference will be given based on higher marks obtained in the Law Degree.
- If still tied, preference will be given to candidates who graduated from universities in Kerala.
Application Process
Offline Application:
- The Director, Backward Communities Development Department, will invite applications from eligible candidates through media publicity (press release).
- The duly filled application form along with all relevant documents should be submitted to the designated regional offices:
For Applicants From Trivandrum to Ernakulam:
Regional Deputy Director, Backward Classes Development Department,
Civil Station, 2nd Floor,
Kakkanad, Ernakulam- 682030, Kerala
For Applicants From Thrissur to Kasargode:
Regional Deputy Director, Backward Classes Development Department,
Civil Station, Kozhikode- 673020, Kerala
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents along with their application:
- Copy of Identity proof
- Copy of Aadhaar card
- Recent passport-sized photo of the applicant
- Copy of ration card
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Residence proof
- Physical Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Enrollment Certificate from the Kerala Bar Council
- Certificate from a Senior Advocate confirming the applicant’s practice
- Copy of Bank Passbook
- Any other required document
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the “Advocate Grant” scheme?
The Advocate Grant scheme is a financial assistance program launched by the Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala to support law graduates from backward communities in starting their legal practice.
Q2: What is the aim of the scheme?
The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial aid to law graduates belonging to OBC communities who face financial difficulties in starting their legal careers. The scheme aims to increase OBC representation in the judiciary.
Q3: Which is the implementing department of this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala.
Q5: What is the benefit of the scheme?
Eligible candidates receive a financial grant of ₹12,000 per year for up to three consecutive years to help with initial legal practice expenses.
Q6: For how many years will the grant be provided to the beneficiaries?
The grant will be provided for a maximum of three consecutive years from the date of approval.
Q7: Is this scheme only for the Backward Communities of Kerala State?
Yes, only law graduates belonging to OBC communities in Kerala are eligible for this grant.
Q8: Is this scheme only for the residents of Kerala State?
Yes, only permanent residents of Kerala can apply for this scheme.
Q9: What is the criterion for annual family income under the scheme?
The annual family income of the applicant must be ₹1,00,000/- or less to qualify for the grant.