Rs 1000 per month for women in Kerala, can apply from December 22

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department announced that applications for the 'Women's Security Scheme' launched by the Kerala government, to ensure the welfare of women in the state, will be accepted from December 22. This scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 1000 per month to eligible women who are not currently beneficiaries of other social welfare schemes or pensions in the state.

Applications should be submitted to the secretaries of the local self-government bodies through the website ksmart.lsgkerala.gov.in. Women and trans women who are permanent residents of Kerala and are between the ages of 35 and 60 will be eligible to apply for the scheme. Those holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (yellow card) and priority category (pink card) ration cards are eligible to apply. In addition to widow pension, unmarried pension, and disability pension, those receiving various service pensions, family pension, and EPF pension will not be eligible for this scheme. Those working in central and state government services, government-owned institutions, and universities on a permanent or contractual basis have been excluded from the scheme.

Applicants must submit any one of the following to prove their age: birth certificate, school certificate, driving license, or passport. Those who do not have these can use a certificate issued by a medical officer. Bank account details, IFSC code, and Aadhaar details must be submitted along with the application.

A self-attested affidavit should be included with the application. Those receiving the benefit should undergo annual mustering based on Aadhaar every year. There is no provision to transfer the benefit to the heirs in case of the death of the beneficiary. If the beneficiary has served a jail sentence of one month or more or is remanded, the financial assistance for that period will not be available.

The Principal Director also informed that if it is found that the information provided was false, the amount will be recovered along with 18 per cent interest.