In a significant move to bolster social welfare, Kerala's Social Justice Minister, Dr. R Bindu, announced on Tuesday a major expansion of the Aswasakiranam scheme. The initiative, designed to support individuals who provide personal care to persons with severe disabilities or serious illnesses, will now include an additional 22,700 beneficiaries.
Financial Aid Released and Procedures Underway
Minister Bindu confirmed that the state government has already disbursed the financial assistance for all existing Aswasakiranam beneficiaries up to the month of October. She further added that the administrative procedures for distributing the aid for the month of November are currently in progress. This timely release underscores the government's commitment to ensuring consistent support for caregivers.
Scheme Details and Eligibility Expansion
The Aswasakiranam scheme, implemented through the Kerala Social Security Mission under the Department of Social Justice, provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 600 to a person who offers personal care. This support is for those tending to individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities or those who are bedridden due to serious illness and require help with daily activities.
The minister clarified that beneficiaries who had applied from April 1, 2018, in this specific category have now been included. She emphasized that extending the benefit to more people is part of the government's social responsibility towards disabled persons and their caregivers. The scheme currently supports approximately 25,000 individuals, and with this new inclusion, the number will see a substantial rise.
Future Inclusions and Government's Commitment
Minister Bindu outlined the government's phased approach to clearing the backlog of applications. "After granting financial aid to these caregivers, the government will actively consider providing benefits to beneficiaries from other categories who applied from April 1, 2018," she stated. This indicates a structured plan to widen the scheme's net.
The expansion is not limited to caregivers of disabled persons alone. The state government is ensuring that financial assistance reaches all eligible applicants, including those caring for bedridden individuals due to reasons such as old age. This holistic approach strengthens Kerala's social security framework, acknowledging the critical role of caregivers in society.
