Team Herald
PANJIM: In an effort to alleviate the financial challenges faced by widows, the Goa government has announced an increase in monthly pensions for widows with children under the age of 21. Eligible beneficiaries will now receive Rs 4,000 per month under the revised provisions of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS).
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According to an official order issued by Ajit Panchwadkar, Director of Social Welfare, widows benefiting from the DSSS will not be eligible for the Griha Aadhar scheme, which is managed by the Directorate of Women and Child Development.
For widows without children or those whose youngest child is over 21 years of age, as well as widows above the age of 60, the financial assistance will remain unchanged at Rs 2,500 per month.
“The capping limit set under the said scheme is 1,40,000 beneficiaries, following which a waiting list shall be created in a hierarchy on a first-come, first-served basis,” stated the notification. The amendment will take effect from the date of publication in the extraordinary official gazette, as per the order.
Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare, had earlier informed the state assembly in August that the government was considering increasing the financial benefits under the DSSS.
