“Financial Aid for Providing Hostel Facility to Transgender Students” scheme, launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala, aims to support transgender students in accessing accommodation while pursuing education. With over 58% of transgender students dropping out before completing 10th grade due to harassment and stigma, this scheme provides financial assistance to ensure continuity of education.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: ₹4,000/- per month is provided as rent for hostel facilities/accommodation during the academic course.
Eligibility Criteria
- Transgender Identity:
- The applicant must identify as transgender.
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a resident of Kerala.
- Educational Enrollment:
- Must be enrolled in courses at Government, Aided, Un-aided, or Self-financing institutions.
- Renewal Requirement:
- A new application must be submitted at the start of each academic year to continue receiving benefits.
Application Process
Online Registration Process
- Visit SUNEETHI Portal:
- Access the SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal.
- Register:
- Click “One-time Registration”.
- Fill in details (Name, Email ID, Mobile Number) and register.
- Enter the verification code received on the registered mobile number to verify your account.
- Profile Creation:
- Complete the profile by providing mandatory details and submit.
Application Process
- Login:
- Visit the portal and log in using your registered mobile number and password.
- Update Profile:
- Update personal information, contact details, identity cards, and bank details.
- Apply for the Scheme:
- Select the scheme from the left-side menu and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill in the application form and submit it online.
Step 01: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicants need to visit the official website of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, and download the application form.
Step 02: The applicants need to fill out the application form completely.
Step 03: The duly filled application forms have to submit along with supporting documents (Declaration Statements from District Transgender Justice Board / District Social Justice Officer, House owner, From the concerned Educational Institution.)
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
- Transgender ID Card.
- Age Declaration: For those below 18 years, a self-declaration with parent/institution head attestation.
- Mobile Number & Email ID.
- Passport Size Photograph.
- Self-Declaration Affidavit: Confirming transgender identity.
- Bank Details: Copy of bank passbook.
- Educational Documents: Certificates or Course Enrollment Certificate.
- Hostel/Accommodation Proof: Certificate from the hostel authority or building owner.
- Additional documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of this scheme?
- To provide financial aid for hostel accommodation to transgender students pursuing education in Kerala.
- Who launched this scheme?
- The Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala.
- Who is eligible?
- Transgender students residing in Kerala and enrolled in recognized institutions.
- Is this scheme exclusive to transgender students?
- Yes, it is specifically for transgender individuals.
- Is there an income limit for eligibility?
- No income limit is specified under the scheme.
- Is the Transgender ID Card mandatory?
- Yes, it is required for all applicants.
- Do students need to reapply each year?
- Yes, students must submit a new application for each academic year.
- How can students apply?
- Applications can be submitted online through the SUNEETHI Portal.
Sources and References
- Official Website
- Application Form