The Swasraya Scheme for Parents/Mothers of Physically Handicapped/Mentally Retarded Persons is an initiative launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. This scheme aims to provide one-time financial assistance to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families who shoulder the dual responsibility of caregiving and household management. Targeted at mothers, single/unwed women, or close female relatives caring for children or adults with severe physical disabilities or mental retardation, the scheme supports self-employment initiatives to help them overcome economic challenges.
Benefits
- One-time Financial Assistance: A benefit of ₹35,000/- is provided to eligible women from BPL families.
- Support for Self-employment: The assistance is aimed at enabling the beneficiary to initiate or expand self-employment ventures.
- Economic and Emotional Relief: Helps alleviate the financial burden associated with continuous care of severely physically handicapped or mentally retarded individuals.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Supports caregivers in managing medical and caregiving expenses, thus improving the overall well-being of both the caregiver and the care recipient.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Swasraya Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: The applicant must be a native and permanent resident of Kerala.
- Economic Status: Must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Caregiving Responsibility: The applicant should be a parent or mother (or a close female relative acting as caretaker) of a person with severe physical handicap or mental retardation.
- Disability Criterion: The child or dependent should have a disability level of 70% or more.
- Marital Status: The daughter/beneficiary must be unmarried. (For mothers, single/unwed, legally divorced, separated, or abandoned women are eligible.)
- Employment Condition: The applicant’s husband must have died, abandoned the family, or the applicant should be a single custodial caregiver.
- Additional Requirement: There must be a running bank account in the name of the beneficiary for the payment of the incentive.
- Work Experience: The parents should have been employed as construction workers for at least 90 days in the year preceding the application.
- Priority Consideration: Mothers of severely disabled/mentally challenged bedridden patients will be given priority.
- Scheme Exclusivity: Beneficiaries of the “Aswasakiranam Scheme” are also eligible to apply under this scheme.
Application Process
Registration Process (Online via SUNEETHI Portal)
- Visit the SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal:
Access the portal dedicated to social justice schemes in Kerala. - One-time Registration:
Click on “One time Registration” and fill in details such as Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number. - OTP Verification:
Enter the verification code received on your mobile to complete registration. - Profile Creation:
Fill in all mandatory details on the profile creation form and click “Register.”
Login/Application Submission
- Citizen Login:
Log in using your registered Mobile Number (as username) and Password. - Profile Update:
Update personal information, contact details, identity cards, and bank details by clicking on the ‘Edit’ button. - Select the Scheme:
Once your profile is updated, the available schemes appear on the left side. Select “Swasraya Scheme” and click on “Apply Now.” - Fill the Application Form:
Complete the application form with all mandatory details and upload the required documents. - Submit:
Click the “Submit” button to complete your application.
Documents Required
- Copy of Aadhaar Card of the Person with Disability
- Mobile Number (verification details)
- Email ID
- Passport-size Photograph
- Copy of Disability Identification Card
- Death/Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of Income Certificate or Ration Card
- Copy of Parent’s Aadhaar Card
- Non-remarriage Certificate from the Village Officer
- Bank Account Details and Copy of Bank Passbook
- Any other supporting documents as required
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the “Swasraya Scheme”?
A1: It is a financial assistance scheme designed to support BPL women—especially mothers or caregivers—of persons with severe physical handicaps or mental retardation by facilitating self-employment.
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 for this scheme?
A3: Eligible applicants include mothers, single/unwed women, wives abandoned by husbands, legally divorced or separated women, and close female relatives acting as caretakers, provided they belong to BPL families and care for a person with 70% or more disability.
Q4: Is this scheme only for BPL families?
A4: Yes, only beneficiaries from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are eligible.
Q5: Is this scheme only for residents of Kerala?
A5: Yes, the applicant must be a native and resident of Kerala State.
Q6: What is the minimum disability required to apply?
A6: The dependent should have a disability of 70% or more.
Q7: Who else can apply under this scheme?
A7: In addition to mothers, close female relatives who act as caretakers for severely disabled/mentally challenged individuals can also apply.
Q8: Can beneficiaries of the “Aswasakiranam Scheme” apply here?
A8: Yes, beneficiaries of the “Aswasakiranam Scheme” are also eligible to apply under the Swasraya Scheme.
Q9: What is the benefit provided under this scheme?
A9: A one-time financial assistance of ₹35,000/- is provided to eligible women to support self-employment initiatives.
Q10: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
A10: Applicants can apply both online via the SUNEETHI portal and offline by following the prescribed guidelines.