KERALA HIGH COURT ADVOCATES’ WELFARE FUND TRUST
SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME – 1

A Scheme formulated by the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Welfare Fund Trust for rendering financial benefits to the members of the Trust and their family, in exercise of the powers conferred to the Trust as per clause XIV of the Deed of Trust.

1. Aims & Objectives

1. The Social Security Scheme-1, in addition to the general aims and objectives of the Welfare Fund Trust, has the following objectives:
2. To give financial support to the bereaved family of a member of the Trust in the event of his/her death.
3. To render financial assistance to the members of the Trust in appropriate cases for treatment of critical illnesses (as specified in the Schedule appended herein).

2. Membership

(a) A member of the Welfare Fund Trust, who has not crossed the age of 65 years on the 1st of April of the year in which the application is submitted, is entitled to enrolment in the Scheme.
Provided that the age limit shall not apply to Donor Members if such members submit their applications within one year from the date of commencement of this Scheme.
Provided further that members who have received any employment terminal benefits shall not be entitled to the benefits under this Scheme.

(b) For the purpose of this Scheme, a ‘member’ means a person admitted as a Donor, Life, or Ordinary Member (who pays regular annual contributions and is not a defaulter).

3. Benefits & Eligibility

1. All Donor and Life Members (subject to clause 2) are eligible for benefits without paying any annual subscription or additional fee.
2. Ordinary Members must pay the annual subscription fee on or before 1st April of the relevant year.
3. Benefits are payable only after 3 years of continuous subscription from the date of joining, subject to clause 2(a).
4. Legal heirs/nominees of a deceased eligible member are entitled to Rs. 3,00,000.
5. If the member dies within 3 years, the benefit will be paid on a pro-rata basis.
6. Financial assistance up to Rs. 50,000 for critical illness may be granted after a minimum of 5 years of continuous membership, only once during the membership tenure.
7. This assistance will be deducted from the final entitlement as per clause 3(d).

4. Subscription

All members except Donor and Life Members must pay the following annual subscription fees:

Sl.No	Age Group	Annual Subscription Fee (INR)
1	Up to 30 years	1,000/-
2	30 to 40 years	2,000/-
3	40 to 50 years	3,000/-
4	50 to 60 years	4,000/-
5	Above 60 years	5,000/-

5. Payment of Subscription

Subscription must be paid in advance by 20th November each year. Default in payment will incur 10% interest per annum. If default continues for more than 2 consecutive years, a re-admission fee of Rs. 500/- will be required.

6. Cessation of Membership

A member will cease to be part of the Scheme on:

1. Resignation in writing.
2. Default in subscription payment for 3 consecutive years.
3. Removal from the State Bar Council rolls.
4. Suspension of practice due to employment or other avocation.
5. Removal from membership of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association.

7. Refund

1. No refund if the member withdraws within 10 years of joining.
2. If the member is suspended/removed within 5 years, only 50% of paid amount is refunded. If after 5 years, 80% is refunded.
3. In other cases, a 25% refund is allowed after 10 years of continuous membership.

8. Termination of Membership

The Board of Trustees may terminate membership for valid reasons. However, no termination shall occur without affording an opportunity to be heard. The decision shall be placed before the General Body for ratification.

9. Re-admission

Members who ceased under clause 7(a) or (d) may be re-admitted on payment of Rs. 5,000 re-admission fee and subscription arrears.

10. Amendment

The Board of Trustees may propose amendments with a 2/3^rd majority, in line with clauses XIV, XVIII, and XIX of the Deed of Trust.

11. Special Powers of Board of Trustees

The Board may revise benefits depending on financial viability, subject to approval of the General Body. However, such amounts cannot exceed the Rs. 3,00,000 limit in clause 3(d).

12. Administration

The Scheme will be managed by the Board of Trustees and shall come into effect immediately.

THE SCHEDULE

Critical Illness includes:

1. Myocardial Infarction
2. Cerebral Vascular Accident / Stroke
3. Malignant Neoplasm / Cancer
4. Transplantation of Liver, Kidney, and Heart
5. Quadriplegia