The “Relief and Rehabilitation Assistance to Sri Lankan Refugees in Refugee Camps” is an initiative under the Umbrella Scheme for Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates, implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). It is designed to address the humanitarian needs of Sri Lankan refugees, providing food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood assistance.
Key Benefits
- Food and Nutrition:
- Quarantine Camp: Cooked food at ₹45/day (adult) and ₹30/day (child).
- Special Camp: Cooked food at ₹70/day (adult).
- Subsidized Rice:
- Adults (above 8 years): 400 grams/day.
- Children (below 8 years): 200 grams/day.
- Clothing and Utensils:
- Annual clothing materials for all family members.
- Blankets provided every two years.
- Aluminum utensils (e.g., rice pots, curry utensils, plates).
- Cash Dole Assistance:
- ₹400/month for the head of the family.
- ₹288/month for other adults.
- ₹180/month for the first child and ₹90/month for additional children.
- Medical Assistance:
- Free health check-ups and preventive care (e.g., vaccinations).
- Maternal health support through Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Scheme.
- Education Support:
- Free education up to 12th grade, including books, uniforms, and bicycles (for 11th-grade students).
- Free bus passes for commuting students.
- Infrastructure:
- Camps equipped with roads, electricity, water, and 10×10 ft huts.
- Identity cards issued for security and welfare.
- Repatriation Support:
- Transportation and porterage assistance for voluntary return to Sri Lanka.
- Employment:
- Refugees can work outside camps between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Pregnancy and Childcare:
- Monthly financial aid of ₹1,000 for pregnant women (6 months total).
- Free nutrition and child vaccinations.
- Other Support:
- Exit permits for voluntary repatriation.
- Provision of essential amenities upon camp registration.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Must be a Sri Lankan citizen.
- Circumstances: Victim of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka.
- Exclusions:
- Refugees arriving by air and staying with relatives are not eligible for camp benefits.
Application Process
Camp Admission
- Quarantine:
- Refugees are screened by police and intelligence agencies.
- Cleared individuals are transferred to regular camps.
- Registration:
- Refugees are issued family identity cards and provided benefits immediately.
Non-Camp Registration
- Refugees staying with relatives must register with local police via the Director of Rehabilitation but are not entitled to camp benefits.
Documents Required
- Sri Lankan Citizenship Certificate.
- Family Identity Card (issued upon camp registration).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the objective of the scheme?
- To provide relief on humanitarian grounds and facilitate repatriation.
- What are Exit Permits?
- Permits for refugees returning to Sri Lanka or other countries at their own cost.
- What is the cost of subsidized rice?
- ₹400 grams/day for adults; 200 grams/day for children.
- What health services are offered?
- Preventive care, maternity support, and free vaccinations.
- What is the cost incurred by the Government?
- Approximately ₹1,226 crore from July 1983 to March 2022.
Contact Information
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)
Address: North Block, New Delhi – 110001
Website: MoHA Official Site
Helpline: [Insert Contact Details]