A distressing case from Tuem village in Goa has highlighted the plight of a widow struggling to secure basic living conditions for her family. Gauri Govind Vetalkar, a resident of Katodwada, has appealed to authorities for urgent assistance to repair her severely damaged house and ensure the safety of her two young children.
Gauri, who lost her husband two years ago, is the sole caregiver to her 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. Despite repeated attempts, she has reportedly been unable to access benefits under welfare schemes such as the DSS and the Griha Aadhaar scheme, citing difficulties with documentation and lack of support.
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Her house is in a precarious condition, with visible cracks in the front wall, termite-infested doors and structures, and a bathroom without a roof. Basic amenities remain absent, with no proper furniture, cooking gas, or secure roofing. Parts of the house are also vulnerable to damage from animals, including monkeys, while rodent activity has further worsened living conditions.
Sources indicate that the family often struggles for food, sometimes going to bed without meals. Gauri works seasonally for about six months a year, earning approximately ₹5,000, which is insufficient to meet the family’s needs. Adding to her difficulties, the water supply connection was reportedly disconnected due to unpaid bills.
The situation has caused significant mental stress, as she continues to live in unsafe conditions. Gauri has now appealed to the government and local MLA Jit Arolkar for assistance, including support under housing repair schemes, financial aid through DSS, water bill relief, and access to welfare schemes for her children.
The case underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable families in accessing social welfare benefits and highlights the need for timely intervention by authorities.
