PORVORIM: Widows availing Dayanand Social Security (DSS) Scheme will now be able to avail simultaneously benefits of the Griha Aadhar scheme if her youngest child is below 18 years of age, informed Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The Minister was replying to a starred question tabled by Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, who wanted the government to make a provision for the Griha Aadhar beneficiaries to also avail the DSS scheme.
Under DSS scheme, widows are entitled for Rs 2,500 per month while, the government is also giving Rs 1,500 per month for women under Griha Aadhar scheme. Gaonkar said that in the event when the beneficiary of Griha Aadhar becomes a widow, it becomes difficult for her to avail the benefit of the DSSS scheme. The Minister told the House that a proposal to make both the schemes available to such widows is under active consideration of the government. However, the DSS scheme will be applicable to the widow only if her youngest child is below 18 years of age. Also the benefits will be released to the widow within three months after making an application, he said.
