The Keralan government’s Department of Social Justice runs a humanitarian program called Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners. It highlights the socioeconomic challenges that these families encounter when a family member is incarcerated, primarily the children of the convicts, who are also exposed to social rejection and financial problems. The program aims to prevent such exclusion and promotes mainstreaming by providing financial aid for educational expenses.
Objective
- It provides fund support for educational needs of prisoners’ children.
- To prevent these children from being deprived of basic education during financial hardship.
- It aimed at reducing the chances of such children becoming socially excluded or indulging in criminal activities.
- To promote the overall development of such children, encouraging them to lead a normal life despite their circumstances.
Benefits
Under the scheme, scholarships/financial assistance are provided to the children of prisoners to cover expenses such as food, clothing, and school fees. The amount varies according to the level of education:
| Sl. No. | Classes/Courses | Amount of Scholarship/Financial Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Std. to 5th Std. | ₹500 per month |
| 2 | 6th Std. to 10th Std. | ₹750 per month |
| 3 | +1 (Plus One) & +2 (Plus Two) | ₹1000 per month |
| 4 | Degree/Professional Courses | ₹1500 per month (only in Govt./Aided colleges in Kerala) |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a native and resident of Kerala.
- Income Status:
- The applicant must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Educational Status:
- The applicant must be studying in Class 1 to Degree/Professional courses in recognized institutions.
- Parental Status:
- The parent(s) of the applicant must be currently imprisoned.
Note:
- If both parents are in jail, the child can still receive financial assistance even if living with relatives who fall under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category. In such cases, an inquiry report from the District Probation Officer is required.
Application Process
Online Application Steps:
- Registration:
- Visit the SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One-time Registration”.
- Fill in your Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number and click ‘Register’.
- Enter the verification code sent to your mobile and click ‘Verify’.
- Complete your profile creation by entering personal details and click ‘Register’.
- Login and Application Submission:
- Go back to the SUNEETHI Portal and click “Citizen Login”.
- Enter your Mobile Number and Password to sign in.
- Update your Personal Information, Contact Details, Identity Proof, and Bank Details.
- Select “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” from the list of schemes and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill in the application form and click ‘Submit’.
Offline Application Steps:
- Visit the District Social Justice Office or the nearest Welfare Office.
- Collect the application form or download it from the official website.
- Fill in all the required details and attach the necessary documents.
- Submit the completed application form to the District Probation Officer or designated authority.
- Obtain an acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Documents Required
To apply for the scheme, the following documents are necessary:
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Passport-size Photograph
- Copy of Ration Card (Include pages with the name of the cardholder and family members)
- Certificate from the School attended by the student
- Affidavit from the Jail Superintendent confirming the imprisonment of the parent(s)
- Bank Account Details (Copy of the Passbook)
- Any other relevant documents requested by the authority
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” scheme?
Through a scholarship program run by the Keralan government, children of incarcerated parents can receive financial aid to finish their education.
Q2: Which department developed this plan?
The Keralan government’s Department of Social Justice is in charge of administering this program.
Q3: Who can receive benefits under the program?
Children of Keralites, BPL recipients, and inmates enrolled in Class 1 through Degree/Professional classes are included.
Q4. Is this only for the children of prisoners?
Yes, only for the children of the convicted prisoners.
Q5. Financial assistance will also be given for children staying with relatives who belong to APL?
Yes, even if they are living with APL relatives if both the parents are behind bars, they are eligible. District Probation Officer’s report is required.
Q6: What is the benefit of the scheme?
It gives a financial support of monthly range of ₹ 500/- to ₹1500/- to the student on class basis.
Q7: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Application is possible either through the SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal or an offline application to the District Social Justice Office.