Goa Government Announces Relief for Social Welfare Beneficiaries
In a significant move aimed at alleviating financial distress among vulnerable families, the Goa government has declared that recovery of benefits under the Griha Aadhar and Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) will be waived off for beneficiaries found to be ineligible, provided they are struggling economically. This announcement was made by Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai during a session in the state assembly on Tuesday.
Financial Analysis to Determine Eligibility
Minister Phal Dessai emphasized that the recovery process will not be enforced if families are identified as financially struggling after a thorough analysis of their economic status. This decision comes in response to concerns raised about the social welfare department's recent recovery drive, which has caused hardship among economically weaker sections.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant further reinforced the government's commitment by assuring that all social welfare scheme beneficiaries will receive their benefits by the 10th of every month. He also clarified that in cases where a woman is eligible for multiple benefits such as Griha Aadhar, DSSS, and widow pension, all these benefits will be continued simultaneously if she belongs to an economically backward family.
Calling Attention Motion Highlights Issues
The assurance followed a calling attention motion by Priol MLA Govind Gaude, who highlighted that the recovery drive has led to distress among families under the Griha Aadhar Scheme and DSSS. Gaude pointed out that in many instances, both husband and wife had received benefits due to a lack of awareness that only one member per household was eligible.
"Steps should have been taken by the government to review the financial condition of affected beneficiaries before initiating recovery and should have waived off recovery in cases involving economically weaker sections where there is no proven fraudulent intent, for compassionate settlement," said Gaude.
Resurvey and Relaxations Planned
In response, Minister Phal Dessai stated that field workers from the social welfare department will conduct a resurvey in such cases to assess the financial situations of the beneficiaries. Based on this analysis, relaxations will be provided accordingly to ensure that no family is unduly burdened.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas supported this approach, arguing that the relaxation is necessary as the department's failure to cross-check eligibility at the time of application is a fault that should not penalize beneficiaries. He noted that even individuals like bar owners or taxi operators, who may have availed of the schemes, are not necessarily financially well-off and deserve consideration.
Compassionate Appointments Also Addressed
Chief Minister Sawant assured that such bar owners and other affected individuals will be granted relaxation from recovery if they fall within the prescribed income limits. Additionally, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao raised the issue of compassionate appointments under the state government during the zero hour mention.
Alemao highlighted the long-pending cases under the Appointment in Harness scheme, which aims to provide jobs to dependants of government employees who die or are incapacitated while in service. "It is learned that over 700 cases are pending for compassionate appointments for over five to seven years," he said, urging the government to address this backlog to offer immediate financial relief to bereaved families.
This comprehensive approach by the Goa government underscores its focus on social welfare and economic support, ensuring that policies are implemented with compassion and fairness towards all citizens, especially those in need.
