Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Prisoners is a welfare scheme by the Government of Kerala that gives a grant of ₹30,000 to help with the marriage expenses of daughters from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families where a parent has been in jail for more than two years. The scheme is implemented by the Social Justice Department and is open for applications through the SUNEETHI online portal.
When a family member is sent to prison, the household often faces money problems, mounting debt and social stigma. This makes it very hard for such families to arrange even basic needs, let alone the cost of a daughter's wedding. This scheme is made to ease that burden so that marriage expenses do not become an impossible problem for these at risk families.
Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Prisoners - Key Details
The scheme offers a one time cash support of ₹30,000 per daughter to cover marriage related expenses. In the first phase of the scheme, the government planned to support as many as 20 such families. The amount is transferred directly to the bank account of the father, mother or the daughter, based on the report of the District Probation Officer.
Families living below the poverty line in Kerala can get this support when a parent is serving a jail sentence of more than two years. The application has to be submitted after six months of marriage but within one year of the date of marriage. A family can claim this support for a maximum of two daughters.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Prisoners |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice Department |
| Benefit Amount | ₹30,000 |
| Beneficiary Eligibility | BPL Families |
| Assistance Type | Cash Transfer |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
Benefits
Under this scheme, a maximum financial support of ₹30,000 per daughter is given to cover marriage related expenses. The money is transferred directly to the bank account of the eligible person, so there is no middle man involved.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following conditions:
- The applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The family should belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Either the father or the mother of the applicant should be undergoing imprisonment for a period of more than two years.
There are a few important points to remember while applying:
- The application must be submitted after six months of marriage but within one year of the date of marriage.
- A family can claim this support for a maximum of two daughters.
- If a marriage is dissolved and a remarriage happens, the grant will not be given again.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the official SUNEETHI Online Service Portal and complete the one time registration using your mobile number and email id.
STEP 2 - Log in to your profile using your mobile number and password, then update your personal, contact and bank details.
STEP 3 - Select the Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Prisoners scheme from the list on the left side of the screen and click on the Apply Now button.
STEP 4 - Fill in all the required details in the application form and submit it. The application must be submitted after six months of marriage and within one year period.
For the offline process, download the application form from the official Social Justice Department website, fill it out completely and submit it along with your documents to the concerned Jail Superintendent or Probation Officer. These officers will verify the details and recommend the application to the Director of Social Justice for final approval.
Documents
Make sure the following documents are ready before applying:
- Copy of Aadhaar card
- Passport size photographs
- Copy of Ration Card showing the names of the holder and family members
- Attested copy of the Marriage Certificate
- Affidavit from the Jail Superintendent confirming the imprisonment
- Copy of Aadhaar Card of the spouse
- Certificate from a Village Officer, required only if the daughter and the convict are not listed on the same ration card
- Certificate from a Ward Member or Councillor confirming the couple's current residence
- Copy of Bank Passbook
References
Official Website | Application Form | Official Order/Notice
FAQ's
What is the Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Prisoners scheme?
This is a Government of Kerala scheme that gives ₹30,000 to help cover wedding expenses for daughters of parents serving a jail sentence of more than two years.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, manages this scheme.
Who is eligible for this support?
Unmarried daughters of a prisoner who belong to a BPL family and reside in Kerala are eligible.
How many daughters per family can get this support?
A maximum of two daughters from a single family can get this benefit.
When should I apply for this grant?
The application should be submitted after six months but within one year of the date of marriage.
What happens if the marriage is dissolved?
If the marriage for which the grant was given is dissolved and the applicant remarries, they will not be eligible for the grant again.
How do I apply online?
Visit the SUNEETHI portal, complete the registration, and submit the application form under the relevant scheme section.