Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners (Pursuing Professional Courses) in Kerala

The scheme “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners (Pursuing Professional Course)” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. To help the children of prisoners, the Government of Kerala has devised this scheme which provides educational assistance to children of prisoners up to degree-level courses as per G.O (RT) No. 322/2014/SJD dated 08-05-2014. When an individual gets convicted and punished for any crime it’s not only the person who suffers, the one who suffers the most are their children. They get deprived of all their rights; they face a lack of opportunities for education and a financial crisis.

Objectives:

When compared to the present educational standards, the assistance provided to children pursuing degree-level professional courses in Government / Aided colleges is inadequate. Considering the different types of fee structures for professional courses, State Government has fixed the assistance amount for children of prisoners to ₹100,000/- (per student) including annual fees & hostel fees.

Benefits:

Under the scheme, State Government is providing assistance amount of ₹100,000/- (per student) to the children of prisoners for pursuing degree-level professional courses in Government / Aided colleges.

Note 01: The assistance amount also includes annual fees & hostel fees.

Note 02: The assistance will be given to more than one child belonging to a single family.

Eligibility:

The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.

2. The applicants should belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

3. The applicant must be the child of a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment or death sentence.

4. Those applicants who have been admitted to courses through merit basis are eligible for assistance.

5. Applicant must have secured 70 % or above marks in Higher secondary level exams.

Note 01: Educational assistance is being provided for Degree level professional courses in Government/ Aided colleges inside Kerala.

Note 02: For courses like MBBS, B.VSc. assistance will be provided only if the children are studying in Government colleges.

Note 03: In case both mother and father are convicts and the child is being looked after by a relative who belongs to the Above Poverty Line (APL) category then the application can only be considered based on the inquiry report submitted by the Probation Officer.

Note 04: If more applicants are made, preference will be given based on the percentage of marks.

Exclusions:

Private Colleges: Students studying in private colleges are not eligible.
Other Schemes: The scheme is not applicable if the student is already receiving benefits from another similar scheme.
Income Requirement: Students whose family income exceeds the BPL limit are not eligible.

Application Process:

Online Registration:
- Visit the SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal.
- Register for a new account or log in if you have an existing account.
- Fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and submit the form.
Offline Registration (If Required):
- Visit the District Social Justice Office.
- Obtain the application form and fill it out with all necessary details.
- Submit the application form with the supporting documents.

Documents Required:

Aadhaar card
Passport size photo
Ration card (if applicable)
College Certificate including fee details
Marksheet of previous year exams
Jail Superintendent’s Certificate verifying the convict’s status
Income certificate and proof of the convict’s relation to the child if not mentioned in the ration card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1:What is the “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners (Pursuing Professional Course)” program?
Children of inmates enrolled in professional studies in Government and Aided Colleges receive financial assistance under the scheme.
Q2: Starting this program is which department?
Launched the program was the Department of Social Justice, Kerala Government.
Q3: Under the system, who qualifies to benefit?
Children of inmates sentenced to death or life in prison who are also BPL category members qualify.
Q4: Is this program exclusive for convicts’ children?
Indeed, the plan is just for the children of inmates.
Q5: Is this scheme only for Keralan residents?
Indeed, the candidate has to be a Kerala resident.
Q6: Is this approach reserved for the BPL class only?
Indeed, the candidate falls into the Below Poverty Line (BPL) group.
Q7: In Higher Secondary exams, what is the lowest percentage needed?
The student ought to have scored 70% or above on the Higher Secondary Level tests.
Q8: Under the plan will a student attending a private institution be qualified to apply?
Students attending private colleges are not eligible.
Q9: Children of APL category convicts under custody by relatives will receive financial aid?
Only in cases when the convict’s child falls into the BPL category will financial aid be given. Should an APL family be looking after the child, the application can only be taken into consideration based on an inquiry report from the Probation Officer.
Q10: Under the scheme, who will get preference?
Preference will be determined depending on marks the pupil earns on past qualifying tests.
Q11: What advantage exists in the scheme?
For their educational expenses—including tuition and dormitory fees—eligible students would get ₹100,000 yearly.
Q12: Under the system, how many children from a single household could benefit?
The system benefits more than one child from the same household.
Q13: Under the system, how might an applicant apply?
Applications can be sent straight to the District Social Justice Office or via the SUNEETHI Online Portal.

Sources and References:

Official Website