The Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners is a welfare initiative launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. This scheme is designed to rehabilitate the dependents of indigent convicts by providing them with financial assistance to start their own income-generating ventures. The primary aim is to support resource-less wives, unemployed or unmarried sons and daughters (with priority given to children if they are students and women with children) during the period of the convict’s imprisonment. The financial aid is provided only once per eligible family and is available only while the convict is imprisoned.
Benefits
- One-Time Grant:
- A maximum of ₹30,000/- is provided as financial assistance per family.
- Purpose:
- The grant is intended to facilitate self-employment and enable the dependents to establish a sustainable livelihood, thereby aiding their economic rehabilitation during the period of imprisonment.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scheme, the following conditions must be met:
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a bona fide resident of Kerala.
- Economic Status:
- The applicant must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Relationship:
- The scheme targets the dependents of convicts, with priority given to:
- Wives,
- Unemployed and unmarried sons and daughters.
- Other eligible dependents include daughters who are widowed, legally divorced, or abandoned by their husband, and parents below 55 years of age.
- The scheme targets the dependents of convicts, with priority given to:
- Imprisonment Criterion:
- Only families of convicts who have undergone imprisonment for a period of 5 years or more are eligible.
- Financial assistance is available only during the period of the convict’s imprisonment.
- Exclusivity:
- The assistance will be granted only once for the dependents of a particular prisoner.
- Additional Requirement:
- If the name of the convict’s child is not included in the Ration Card, the applicant must submit a declaration from the Village Officer confirming that the applicant is the child of the convict.
Application Process
Online/Offline Process via SUNEETHI-Online Service Application Portal
- Registration Process:
- Step 1: Visit the SUNEETHI-Online Service Application Portal.
- Step 2: Click on “One time Registration”.
- Step 3: Fill in mandatory details (Name, Email ID, Mobile Number) and click ‘Register’.
- Step 4: Enter the verification code received on your mobile and click ‘Verify’.
- Step 5: A new profile creation form will open; fill in all mandatory details and click ‘Register’.
- Login/Application Process:
- Step 1: Once registered, click on “Citizen Login” and sign in using your Mobile Number and Password.
- Step 2: Update your profile with personal information, contact details, identity cards, and bank details.
- Step 3: After profile completion, navigate to the list of schemes displayed on the left side.
- Step 4: Select the “Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners” and click “Apply Now”.
- Step 5: Fill in all required details in the online application form and click ‘Submit’.
- Submission:
- Submit all necessary documents as part of the application (see documents required below).
Documents Required
- Identity Proof:
Copy of Aadhaar Card. - Contact Details:
Mobile number and email ID. - Proof of Family Status:
Copy of the Ration Card (submit both the page showing the holder’s name and the family members page).
If the convict’s child is missing from the Ration Card, a declaration by the Village Officer is required. - Certificate of Ward Member/Councillor:
As applicable. - Project Proposal:
A project proposal outlining the proposed work or business. - Bank Account Details:
Copy of the Bank Passbook (including bank name, branch, IFSC, etc.). - Other Documents:
Any additional documents as specified by the scheme guidelines. - Affidavit:
An affidavit of the Jail Superintendent (if required).
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the “Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners”?
It is a scheme aimed at rehabilitating the dependents of convicts by providing them a one-time financial grant for initiating self-employment or income-generating ventures. -
Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme is launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. -
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Eligible beneficiaries include dependents (priority: wives, unemployed and unmarried sons/daughters) of convicts who have been imprisoned for at least 5 years, provided they are residents of Kerala and belong to the BPL category. -
Is the scheme only applicable during the convict’s imprisonment period?
Yes, the financial assistance is available only during the period of the convict’s imprisonment. -
How many times can a family avail of this benefit?
The benefit can be availed only once for the dependents of a particular prisoner. -
How can an applicant apply for this scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the SUNEETHI-Online Service Application Portal or offline by visiting the designated office. -
What documents are needed to apply for the scheme?
Documents required include Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Certificate of Ward Member/Councillor, Project Proposal, Bank Passbook copy, and a declaration/affidavit as required. -
What if the convict’s child is not included in the Ration Card?
In such a case, the applicant must submit a declaration from the Village Officer confirming the applicant’s identity as the child of the convict.