Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners

Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners is a social welfare scheme of the Government of Kerala that gives one-time money support to families of long-term convicts. Eligible dependents can get up to ₹30,000 to start a small business or any self-employment activity while the family member is serving time in jail.

Social Justice Department runs this scheme through the District Probation Offices in Kerala. Applications are accepted online through the SUNEETHI portal, and the scheme is open in 2026 for BPL families that meet the conditions listed below.

Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners - Introduction

The scheme is made to rehabilitate dependents of indigent convicts. It supports resource-less wives, unemployed and unmarried sons and daughters, major children who are students, and women with children. Able bodied single women are not covered under this scheme.

With this one-time support, dependents can start small income generating work and lead a dignified life while the convict serves the prison term. Families in similar situations can also check Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime, another scheme of the same department for Kerala.

Key Information

Benefits

Under this scheme, a family can receive a maximum support of ₹30,000 as a one-time grant to set up a self-employment venture. This money is meant for the period of imprisonment of the convict, and it is granted only once per family for this purpose.

Payment is normally sent directly to the bank account given in the application. The final amount depends on the project proposal and the approval of the District Probation Officer.

Eligibility

Check the eligibility conditions carefully before applying:

• The applicant must be a native and permanent resident of Kerala, and the family must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
• The convict must have undergone imprisonment for 5 years or more, and the family can apply only while the sentence is still being served.
• Priority goes to primary dependents like husband or wife, unemployed and unmarried sons and daughters. Other eligible dependents include daughters who are widowed, legally divorced or abandoned, and father or mother below 55 years of age.
• The family must not have received this financial support earlier for the same purpose, and the grant is given only once per family.
• Able bodied single women are not included, and dependents of a convict who has other crime records apart from the current case are not eligible.

Exclusions

Able bodied single women are not covered under this scheme. Also, if the convict has any previous criminal record apart from the present case, the dependents cannot get financial support under this scheme.

Application Process

Online Application

Apply online through the SUNEETHI Portal of the Social Justice Department. Registration and login steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Visit the official SUNEETHI portal at suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in and click on One Time Registration.

STEP 2 - Enter your Name, Email ID and Mobile Number, then click on Register.

STEP 3 - Verify the mobile number using the verification code sent to your phone.

STEP 4 - Complete your profile by entering all mandatory personal and contact details.

STEP 5 - Log in through Citizen Login using your mobile number and password.

STEP 6 - Update your profile with bank details and identity cards, then click on Apply Now for Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners.

Applying through the SUNEETHI portal is free. If you use an Akshaya centre or a computer centre for help, that centre may charge its usual service fee.

Offline Application

If you prefer the offline process, download the application form from the Social Justice Department website. Fill it and submit it with your project proposal and a recommendation letter from your ward member or councillor to the District Probation Officer of your district.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before you begin the application:

• Copy of Aadhaar card and an active mobile number and email ID.
• Recent passport size photograph.
• Copy of Ration Card showing both the holder's name and family members.
• Recommendation certificate from the Ward Member or Councillor.
• Detailed project proposal for the proposed business.
• Copy of Bank Passbook for fund transfer.
• Affidavit from the Jail Superintendent.

Note: If the child's name is missing from the Ration Card, provide a declaration statement from the Village Officer confirming the family relationship with the convict.

References

For more information, visit the official resources given below:

• Official Scheme Page on Social Justice Department Website
• Download Application Form
• Government Order 2021
• Government Order 2014

FAQ's

What is Self-Employment Scheme for Dependents of Prisoners?

This is a Kerala government scheme that gives a one-time grant of up to ₹30,000 to families of long-term prisoners so they can start their own small business.

Which department manages this scheme?

The scheme is managed by the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, and is run through the District Probation Offices.

Who qualifies for the support?

Families of convicts serving a prison term of 5 years or more who belong to the BPL category are eligible. The application must be made while the convict is still in jail.

Is the grant given every year?

No, the grant is given only once per family for this purpose.

Can I apply if I live outside Kerala?

No, this scheme is strictly for native and permanent residents of Kerala.

How is the payment made?

Once approved, the money is usually sent to the bank account mentioned in the application.

What if my child's name is not on the Ration Card?

You can submit a formal declaration letter from the Village Officer confirming the family relationship with the convict.