Snehapoorvam Scholarship — Kerala Orphan Students Aid

What is Snehapoorvam Scholarship?

Snehapoorvam (meaning "with love") is a Kerala government scholarship for orphaned and semi-orphaned children studying in government and aided schools. The scholarship provides monthly financial support to help these children continue their education.

Key Benefits

Who is Eligible?

The child is eligible if:

• They are studying in Classes 1 to 12 in a government or government-aided school in Kerala
• They are:
  • Full orphan — both parents deceased, OR
  • Semi-orphan — one parent deceased and the surviving parent is unable to support, OR
  • Destitute child — abandoned, from a family in extreme poverty

Income limit: Family annual income must be below ₹1 lakh (for semi-orphan/destitute categories). Full orphans have no income limit.

Documents Required

1. Birth certificate — child's age proof
2. Aadhaar Card — child and guardian
3. Death certificate — parent(s) who died
4. Proof of guardianship — court order or affidavit (if non-parent guardian)
5. School enrollment certificate — from headmaster
6. Income certificate — from Village Officer (for semi-orphan/destitute)
7. Bank passbook — guardian's Aadhaar-linked account

How to Apply — Step by Step

Step 1 — Get Form from School or Village Office

Application forms are available at:

• School — ask the headmaster or PTA president
• Local Village Office (VO) or Block Office

Step 2 — Fill Application

Fill the form with the child's details, guardian's details, and category (full orphan/semi-orphan/destitute).

Step 3 — Headmaster's Certificate

The school headmaster certifies that the child is enrolled and attends regularly.

Step 4 — Village Officer Verification

The Village Officer (VO) verifies:

• Parent's death certificate
• Income details
• Residency in Kerala

Step 5 — Submit to Child Development Project Office (CDPO)

The application is forwarded to the Block CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) for approval.

Step 6 — Monthly Payment

After approval, monthly scholarship is deposited to the guardian's bank account via DBT.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My nephew is a full orphan living with me. Can I apply on his behalf as his guardian?

Yes. As the child's legal guardian (or de facto guardian with proper documentation), you can apply. Submit your guardianship affidavit or court order along with the application.

2. My child's father died but I work as a laborer. Do we qualify for semi-orphan scholarship?

Semi-orphan scholarship is for families where the surviving parent cannot adequately support the child. If you are in extreme poverty as a laborer with low income (< ₹1 lakh/year), you may qualify. The Village Officer assessment is key.

3. My son is in Class 10. If he passes and joins Class 11 in government college, does the scholarship continue?

Snehapoorvam covers Classes 1 to 12. If he joins Class 11 in a government higher secondary school (which is part of the school education system), the scholarship continues. For degree colleges, check for other scholarship schemes (DCMS, etc.).

4. Is the amount ₹300/month sufficient for school needs?

The Snehapoorvam scholarship is a supplement — not full support. Additional benefits like free books, uniforms, and mid-day meals are available at government schools. Taken together, these significantly reduce the burden on guardians.

5. I applied 6 months ago but haven't received payment. What to do?

Visit the CDPO office with the application receipt. Check if the bank details and Aadhaar are correct. CDPO offices sometimes have a backlog — personal follow-up is necessary.

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