Bengaluru, 13 September

The Janodaya Trust has been running a scholarship programme since 2015 to support children of imprisoned or convicted parents and help them continue their education despite social stigma or financial hardships.

“Every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and build a dignified future,” the Trust said in a release. 

The programme provides financial assistance, academic encouragement and emotional support to school- and college-going students. The programme is designed to ensure that children affected by parental incarceration are not deprived of education due to economic hardship or social exclusion. 

Scholarships can be used for school or college fees, books and study materials, uniforms and stationery, transportation and skill development.

The Trust aims to prevent school dropouts among children of prison inmates, provide access to quality education and equal opportunities, reduce the impact of stigma and discrimination, encourage higher education and vocational training and support the holistic development and wellbeing of children, the release added. 

Children of imprisoned or convicted parents who are enrolled in a school, college or vocational institution and require financial assistance can apply. Priority may be given to girl children, those from single-parent households, orphans and semi-orphans, and children at risk of discontinuing their education.

Applications are invited through prison headquarters and offices in Karnataka. Completed applications, along with supporting documents, are to be submitted to Janodaya by 30 March each year through the respective prison officials. The applications are reviewed and shortlisted by the Trust, with eligible candidates receiving scholarships through bank accounts.

Applicants must provide attested application form, current-year study certificate, previous-year marks card, two passport-size photographs, Aadhaar and identity documents of both parents, bank passbook details and a fee receipt.

“Let us stand with children affected by incarceration and ensure that their future is defined not by stigma, but by possibility,” the release added.