Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief to women applying for the Chief Minister’s Sthree Suraksha Scheme in Kerala, the Akshaya State Project Office has issued a circular stating that Akshaya centres may charge only ₹40 as service fee for submitting online applications under the scheme. This rate applies to registration and related services.

Charges for scanning and printing documents may be collected as per the government order dated August 6, 2025.

The circular was issued following complaints that some Akshaya centres were collecting excess service charges. Applications must be submitted through the Local Self-Government Department’s K-SMART application.

The Kerala government launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme to provide a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to unemployed women in the state. The scheme was announced on the occasion of Kerala Piravi as part of the government’s social welfare initiatives. Women — including transgender women — aged between 35 and 60 who are permanent residents of Kerala can apply. Applicants must be AAY/PHH ration card holders (yellow and pink cards).

If you are eligible, you can also apply without visiting Akshaya centres. Here is the step-by-step guide: 

Kerala govt’s monthly pension for unemployed women: Apply online now, all you need to know