Launched by the Department of Social Justice, Kerala Government, is the “Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime” project. This program seeks to help survivors (victims) of crime financially so they may continue their education without financial constraints resulting from the economic challenges following the tragedy. This project aims to provide help for the education and welfare of the families of crime survivors, especially those of children, acknowledging their great difficulties.
Benefits
- Under the scheme, the following financial assistance will be given to the eligible applicant:
| Sl. No. | Classes/Courses | Amount of Assistance |
| 1 | Children studying in classes 1 to 5 | ₹3000/- per year |
| 2 | Children studying in classes 6 to 10 | ₹5000/- per year |
| 3 | Higher Secondary | ₹7500/- per year |
| 4 | Graduate students | ₹10,000/- per year |
| 5 | PG/M.Phil course students | ₹15,000/- per year |
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Residency: The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala.
- Relationship to Crime Survivor: The applicant must be a child or dependent of a victim of crime.
- Income: The combined annual income of the family must be less than ₹1,00,000.
- Education Level: The child must be pursuing education in government or aided institutions and must be admitted on a merit basis for degree and higher education courses in unaided institutions.
- Merit-based Continuation: If the scholarship is granted for one year, it can be renewed in subsequent years, provided the school/college head certifies that the student will continue their education.
Exclusions
The following categories of children are not eligible for this scheme:
- Children of those who have been killed in road accidents.
- Children already receiving assistance from schemes such as:
- Sneha Purva Project of Social Security Mission
- Vijnana Deepthi or Sponsorship Scheme under the Integrated Child Care Scheme.
- Financial assistance from the Department of Women and Child Development for children of women heads of households.
- Educational assistance from the Department of Social Justice for children of prisoners.
Application Process
Online Registration:
- Step 1: Visit the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One time Registration” and provide details such as Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
- Create a Username and Password.
- Step 2: Log in with the credentials provided.
- Link your Aadhaar with the Bank Account.
- Update your Personal Information, Contact Details, Identity Cards, and Bank Details under the Profile section.
- Step 3: Once your profile is complete, go to “All Schemes” and click on “Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime”.
- Step 4: Fill in the necessary details and upload the required documents.
- Step 5: Submit the application and generate an Application ID for future reference.
- Step 01: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant needs to visit the official website of the Social Justice Department.
- Step 02: The applicant needs to fill out the application form completely.
- Step 03: The duly filled application form along with supporting documents has to be forwarded through the District Probation Officer.
- Note 01: For further information please contact the concerned District Probation Officer.
- Note 02: The application must be made to the District Probation Office within 5 years of the actual offense
Documents Required
The following documents are required for the application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate)
- Proof of Address
- Domicile Certificate of Kerala
- Caste Certificate for VJNT and Nomadic Tribes
- Marksheet of the Latest Educational Qualification
- Fee Receipt for the current course year
- Bank Account Details (Passbook)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Certificate from the school confirming admission based on merit
- FIR Copy
- Self-Declaration Affidavit stating that the applicant is the child of a crime victim.
- Other documents, if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1:What is the “Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime” program?
The program provides financial support for crime survivors’ children so they may continue their education.
Q2: This scheme has been implemented by which department?
The Kerala government’s Department of Social Justice first proposed the plan.
Q3: For which reason is one qualified for the scheme benefits?
Those eligible are dependents or children of crime victims living in Kerala whose family income falls less than ₹1,00,000 annually.
Q4: Is the program designed for kids from just crime-torn households?
Indeed, the program is meant for the children of crime victims.
Q5: Is the Kerala residents’ scheme solely?
To be qualified, the applicant should indeed live in Kerala.
Q6:Under the plan, what income level should one apply?
The joint family yearly income shouldn’t be more than ₹1,00,000.
Q7: Is a youngster qualified to apply seeking a degree and higher education courses from private colleges or government sponsored institutions?
Indeed, a youngster enrolled in degree and higher education courses offered by private colleges or government sponsored institutions is qualified provided she/he is admitted meritually.
Q8: What is the criteria for the award in next years?
The head of the student’s institution should certify that the student would seek additional study in order to get a scholarship extended.
Q9: How would an applicant apply under the scheme?
Applications could be made online using the SUNEETHI Online Service Portal.
Sources and References
- Official Website: SUNEETHI Online Service Portal
- Application Form: Available after registration on the SUNEETHI Portal.
- Order/Notice: Department of Social Justice, Kerala