The “Financial Assistance to Ex-Convicts” scheme, launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala, aims to support individuals released from jail who come from poor economic conditions. The scheme provides one-time financial assistance to help ex-convicts initiate self-employment or start a small industry/trade as part of their social rehabilitation. Recognizing that true societal protection is achieved through the reformation and correction of offenders, this initiative seeks to reintegrate ex-convicts into society by enabling them to engage in income-generating activities.
Benefits
- One-Time Financial Assistance:
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹15,000 as a one-time grant. - Purpose:
The assistance is intended to support ex-convicts in starting small-scale income-generating activities or businesses, thereby fostering self-reliance and rehabilitation.
Eligibility
- Residency:
The applicant must be a native and resident of Kerala. - Ex-Convict Status:
The applicant must be an ex-convict who has been released from jail and comes from a poor economic background. - Economic Criteria:
The applicant should belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Application Process
Online Registration and Application (via SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal)
- Registration Process:
- Visit the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One time Registration”.
- Fill in details such as Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number, then click ‘Register’.
- Enter the verification code received on your mobile and click ‘Verify’.
- Complete the new profile by filling in all mandatory details and click ‘Register’.
- Login and Application:
- Once registered, visit the portal and click “Citizen Login”.
- Log in using your mobile number (as the username) and the password.
- Update your profile by editing your Personal Information, Contact Details, Identity Cards, and Bank Details.
- The list of available schemes will appear on the left side of the screen.
- Select the “Financial Assistance to Ex-Convicts” scheme and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill in all the mandatory fields in the application form and click ‘Submit’.
Documents Required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Mobile Number (as registered)
- Email ID (as registered)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Copy of Ration Card (both the page showing the name of the cardholder and the page with family members)
- Project Proposal for the proposed work/business
- Release Certificate from Jail (or an attested certificate from the Superintendent of Jail, where applicable)
- Copy of Bank Passbook showing bank account details
- Any other documents as specified by the scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the “Financial Assistance To Ex-Convicts” scheme?
It is a scheme providing one-time financial support to ex-convicts from poor economic conditions to help them start self-employment or small-scale business ventures. -
Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. -
Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
Ex-convicts who are native to Kerala, reside in the state, and belong to the BPL category are eligible. -
Is this scheme only for ex-convicts/probationers?
The scheme specifically targets ex-convicts; details for probationers, if applicable, may be covered under a separate or overlapping initiative. -
Is this scheme only for residents of Kerala?
Yes, only individuals who are native and permanent residents of Kerala are eligible. -
Is this scheme only for those belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
Yes, the scheme is designed to assist ex-convicts from poor economic conditions, hence only those belonging to the BPL category can apply. -
What is the benefit provided under the scheme?
A one-time financial assistance of up to ₹15,000 is provided per eligible beneficiary. -
How many times can a beneficiary avail the benefit under this scheme?
The assistance is provided only once per eligible beneficiary. -
How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Applicants can apply either online through the SUNEETHI portal or offline by following the prescribed process as notified by the Department of Social Justice, Kerala.