The Abhayakiranam Scheme – Financial Assistance to Destitute Widows was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. This initiative is designed to create a safe and improved living environment for destitute and homeless widows by providing monthly financial support to their close relatives who offer protection and shelter. In its initial phase, the scheme has been administratively sanctioned to benefit 200 persons with a monthly assistance of ₹1,000/- for a period of 6 months.
Benefits
- Monthly Financial Support: Beneficiaries receive ₹1,000/- per month for 6 months.
- Enhanced Living Conditions: Assists in providing a safer and better living environment for destitute widows.
- Targeted Relief: Specifically aids close relatives who protect and shelter widows, ensuring that support reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Abhayakiranam Scheme, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:
- Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
- Age: The destitute widow must be above 50 years.
- Income: The annual family income should be below ₹1,00,000/-.
- Pension Exclusion: The applicant must not be receiving a service pension or family pension.
- Other Schemes: The applicant should not be a beneficiary of other schemes implemented through the Social Justice Department (e.g., Aswasakiranam, Samashwasam).
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Collect the Application Form:
Visit the nearest District Social Justice Office to collect the application form. The form is also available for download on the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. - Fill the Application Form:
Complete the application form with all the required information. - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled application form along with all supporting documents to the concerned District Social Justice Officers.
Documents Required
- Passport Size Photo
- Age Proof:
Attested copy of SSLC certificate, Election ID card, or Aadhaar card. - Widow Certificate:
A certificate from the concerned Village Officer confirming that the applicant is a widow under the protection of a relative. - Income Proof:
Attested copy of the Ration card, Income Certificate from the Village Office, or BPL certificate. - Bank Account Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the objective of the scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to provide a safe and better living environment for destitute and homeless widows by extending monthly financial assistance to their close relatives who provide protection and shelter.
Q2: Which department has launched this scheme?
A2: The scheme is launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala.
Q3: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A3: The scheme benefits destitute widows who are above 50 years, with family income below ₹1,00,000/-, and not receiving any service or family pension, provided they are residents of Kerala.
Q4: Is this scheme only for destitute widows?
A4: The financial assistance is provided to the close relatives of destitute widows who offer them protection and shelter.
Q5: Is this scheme only for residents of Kerala?
A5: Yes, the applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
Q6: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A6: Beneficiaries receive ₹1,000/- per month for 6 months.
Q7: What is the age limit for the applicant to apply under the scheme?
A7: The destitute widow must be above 50 years.
Q8: What is the income criterion under the scheme?
A8: The annual family income should be below ₹1,00,000/-.
Q9: Can an applicant be eligible if she is receiving a service or family pension?
A9: No, the applicant should not be receiving a service pension or family pension.
Q10: Where can I get the application form?
A10: The application form can be collected from the nearest District Social Justice Office or downloaded from the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala.
Q11: Where shall I submit the application form?
A11: Submit the completed form along with the supporting documents to the concerned District Social Justice Officers.