Kerala Educational Assistance To Children Of Prisoners

The Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners Scheme, initiated by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala, is a compassionate welfare initiative designed to support children whose parents are imprisoned. Recognizing the social stigma and financial hardship faced by these children, the scheme offers monthly financial aid to ensure they continue their education without disruption and are reintegrated into the mainstream.

Short Summary

• Scheme Name: Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners
• Launched By: Department of Social Justice, Kerala
• Beneficiaries: Children of prisoners studying from Class 1 to Degree level
• Benefit Type: Monthly Financial Assistance
• Application Mode: Online via SUNEETHI Portal / Offline
• Residency: Only for Kerala residents

Benefits

• Covers school fees, food, clothing, and study expenses
• Applicable for 10 months annually

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a native and resident of Kerala
• Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category
• Must be enrolled in Class 1 to Degree/Professional Course
• At least one parent must be currently in jail
• If both parents are imprisoned, assistance may be granted even if the child is living with APL relatives, based on a District Probation Officer’s inquiry report

Exclusions

• Children not residing in Kerala
• Students not enrolled in recognized educational institutions
• Applications without an affidavit from the Jail Superintendent

Application Process

Online via SUNEETHI Portal

1. Visit SUNEETHI Online Portal

2. Click on “One-Time Registration”

3. Enter name, mobile number, email, and verify via OTP

4. Complete your profile with personal, ID, and bank details

5. Click “Citizen Login” to access your dashboard

6. Select the “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” scheme and click “Apply Now”

7. Fill in required details and submit the application

Offline Mode

Applicants can also contact the District Social Justice Office for form submission and guidance.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card (student)
• Mobile number & email ID
• Passport-size photograph
• Ration Card (pages showing name of holder and family members)
• School Certificate from the institution
• Affidavit from Jail Superintendent
• Bank Passbook (copy)
• Any other supporting documents as requested

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the “Educational Assistance to Children of Prisoners” scheme?
  Under the scheme, the Government of Kerala is providing financial assistance/Scholarships to the children of prisoners. The Government has started the scheme to provide financial support to the families who are lodged in jail. Due to the lack of money, their children might be denied education at a very early age itself. This might have huge repercussions later it may lead to the birth of new criminals in society. Therefore, the government has initiated such a scheme that aims at bringing these people to the mainstream of society.
• Which department has launched this scheme?
  Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala
• Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
  The children of Prisoners whose parents are in jail are eligible to apply under the scheme.
• Is this scheme only for the children of Prisoners?
  Yes, this scheme is only for the children of Prisoners.
• Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala?
  Yes, the applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Is this scheme only for Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
  Yes, the applicants should be from Below Poverty Line (BPL) category only.
• Will financial assistance be provided to those children of prisoners living with their relatives’ falling under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category?
  Yes, financial aid can be provided to the children even though the relatives, who are liable to protect them and falls under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, provided both the parents are in jail, for that an inquiry report of the District Probation Officer is essential.
• What is the benefit of the scheme?
  Under the scheme, the Government of Kerala is providing financial assistance/scholarships to the children of prisoners @ ₹500/- per month to ₹1500/- per month from Class- I to Degree/Professional Courses.
• How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
  To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant should visit the Official Portal- SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal. https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in