Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• With the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections approaching, the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by the Indian National Congress (INC), released its set of five electoral guarantees known as the "Indira Guarantees."
• These five promises were formally announced by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, during the valedictory event of the Puthuyuga Yatra (March into New Era) in Thiruvananthapuram on 7 March 2026.
• Among the five guarantees, one of the key promises targeting the education sector is the Rs 1,000 Monthly Financial Assistance for College-Going Girls, designed to ease the financial burden on girl students pursuing higher education in Kerala.
• This scheme aims to provide direct monthly financial support to girl students to cover day-to-day educational expenses such as transportation, books, stationery, and other incidental costs.
• UDF's campaign slogan for the 2026 elections is "Keralam Jayikkum, UDF Nayikkum" (Kerala will win, and UDF will lead), under which these welfare guarantees are being promoted.
• The scheme is part of UDF's broader vision to encourage girls to complete higher education without financial hardship and reduce dropout rates at the college level.
• The Kerala Legislative Assembly election is scheduled on 9 April 2026, with votes to be counted on 4 May 2026. The UDF is contesting against the incumbent CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which has been in power for around ten years.
• Currently, this scheme is part of the UDF election manifesto and is not yet a notified government scheme.
• It will be implemented only if the UDF wins the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections.

Scheme Benefits

• Rs 1,000 per month direct financial assistance to each eligible girl student
• Assistance likely to be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts
• Monthly support to cover educational and daily living expenses during college years
• Supports both government and private college-going girl students (details to be finalised)

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be a female student enrolled in a recognised college in Kerala
• Must be a permanent resident of Kerala
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate course in a recognised institution
• Family income criteria may apply (to be notified upon scheme implementation)
• Must have a valid student ID from a recognised college
• Must have an active bank account (preferably linked with Aadhaar)

Note: Detailed eligibility criteria of this scheme will be officially notified once UDF forms the government in Kerala.

Required Documents

• The official list of required documents will be shared at the time of scheme implementation. The following documents are likely to be required:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Proof of Residence
  • College Student ID Card
  • Bank Account Passbook
  • Income Certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Mobile number linked with Aadhaar

Steps to Apply

• The UDF Kerala Rs 1,000 Monthly Financial Assistance for College-Going Girls is currently part of the UDF (Congress-led alliance) election manifesto and has not yet been officially launched.
• It will be implemented once the Congress-led UDF forms the government in Kerala following the April 9, 2026 elections.
• Applicants need to wait for the official launch notification from the Kerala Government before applying.
• Once launched, the expected steps to apply are:
  • Visit the official Kerala Government scheme portal or the designated portal for this scheme.
  • Register using your Aadhaar number and mobile number.
  • Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and bank account details.
  • Upload the required documents (college ID, Aadhaar, bank details, etc.).
  • Submit the form and save your application reference number for tracking.
  • After verification by the authorities, ₹1,000 will be credited to your bank account every month.

Relevant Links

• Monthly Financial Assistance for College-Going Girls Guidelines will be updated later.
• UDF Election Manifesto.

Contact Information

• Helpline Number related to Monthly Financial Assistance for College-Going Girls are currently unavailable.