MARGAO: Asserting that there is a requirement of Rs 50 crore, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai said that financial assistance for the traditional businessmen before Chaturthi is impossible.
Speaking to mediapersons, here, Phal Desai said that Rs 5,000 lump sum financial assistance to traditional businessmen requires around Rs 50 crore to fund the approved applicants. However, there is a provision of only Rs 20 crore under the scheme.
“A request has been made to the State government to increase this fund. All will be paid at once upon receipt of increased funds. However, this is not possible before Chaturthi,” he clarified.
He said a scheme has been launched by the Social Welfare Department to provide financial assistance to traditional businessmen who have suffered financial losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had announced that the beneficiaries will get the money of this scheme before Chaturthi. It was done by Pramod Sawant. However, Minister Phal Desai has explained that it is not possible. With just a few days left for Chaturthi, Minister Phal Desai’s explanation has sparked outrage among traditional businessmen.
“1.14 lakh applications were received for the scheme. A fund of around 50 crore is required if payment is to be made to the approved applicants. However, there is only a provision of 20 crores for the scheme. Therefore, provision of additional funds has been demanded. As soon as the funds are received, the beneficiaries will be paid immediately,” he explained.
