Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme

Introduction

• There are a number of bedridden patients in the state who need assistance from caregivers.
• Patients in the upper income category can easily afford a personal nurse or caregiver.
• However, due to financial constraints, the lower income group cannot afford this, and their family members have to look after their bedridden patients.
• To address this issue, the Kerala government has announced a scheme called Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme.
• The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to caregivers of such individuals who are mentally and physically bedridden.
• Benefits of the scheme will be extended to such applicants who fulfill the criteria outlined in the guidelines.
• As per the scheme, the applicants belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families are eligible for the scheme.
• The annual income of such eligible beneficiaries should not exceed 20,000/- for rural and 22,375/- for Urban areas.
• Since 2010 this scheme is functional in the state and providing benefits to its beneficiaries.
• As of now more than 3 lakhs beneficiaries are receiving benefits of the Aswasakiranam Scheme.
• According to the scheme, the government will provide a monthly assistance of Rs 600/- to each beneficiary.
• This assistance will be credited online to their bank account or post office account.
• For this, the caregiver of the patient need to open a saving bank account in the nearest post office.
• The disease that will receive full coverage under the Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme includes :-
  • Mentally challenged individuals such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental illness, and Mentally retardation.
  • Brittle bone disease.
  • 100% blind, old aged, and a patient who needs a full time caregiver.
• It is important to understand that the assistance provided under the scheme is not part of the pension received by the patients.
• Kerala Social Security Department is the nodal department of the scheme who take care of its application to disbursal process.
• To implement the scheme successfully across the state, the government has allocated a budget of Rs 50 Cr for the year 2024-25.
• Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme applications form will be accepted offline through nearest ICDS or Anganwadi center.
• The concerned Anganwadi worker will forward beneficiary applications to the concerned Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisor.
• Additionally, a certificate mentioning the beneficiary is the caregiver of bedridden patient must be submitted with the application form.
• In case of any query, applicants may connect with the nodal department through their helpline number.

Benefits of Scheme

• According to the Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme, monthly financial assistance of Rs 600/- will be provided to caregivers who look after individuals who are physically or mentally bedridden.

Eligibility Criteria

• To receive the benefits of Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme, beneficiaries need to fulfill the below mentioned criteria :-
  • Applicants must be native citizens of Kerala.
  • Applicants should belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) family.
  • Annual Income of the family residing in Panchayat area should not exceed Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 22,375 for those living in cities.
  • Caretakers of individuals who are permanently bedridden or disabled persons unable to take care of themselves.

Documents Required

• Applicants must enclose the following documents with the application form of Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme :-
  • BPL Ration Card.
  • Income Certificate.
  • Aadhaar Card or received confirmation slip.
  • Medical Certificate duly attested by Govt/NRHM Doctors/Vayomithram.
  • Passport Size photograph of the patient.
  • Bank Account details.
  • Residence Proof.

How to apply

• Eligible applicants can apply for the Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme offline.
• To do so, they need to collect Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme application forms from nearby ICDS or Anganwadi Centre.
• Fill this obtained application form and affix all the necessary documents.
• Post following the above steps, submit this Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme Application form to the ICDS or Anganwadi Centre.
• After verifying the received application form, the nodal department will release the assistance under the scheme.

Important Link

• Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme application form.
• Kerala Social Security Mission Official Website.

Contact Details

• Kerala Anganwadi Helpline Number.
• Kerala Aswasakiranam Scheme Medical Certificate Helpline Number : 0471-2341200