Govt combines aid under two welfare schemes
Panaji: The state government has introduced financial aid of Rs 4,000 per month for widows whose youngest child is under the age of 21. This initiative is part of the Dayanand Social Security scheme, which combines existing benefits to provide much-needed relief to mothers raising young children after the loss of their spouses.
The new package combines Rs 1,500 from the Griha Aadhar scheme and the Rs 2,500 widow pension under the Dayanand Social Security scheme. These funds will be disbursed by the social welfare department.
Speaking to mediapersons in Mantralaya on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised that the scheme is aimed at offering critical financial support to widowed mothers.
“This is an important step to support women who have lost their spouses and are taking caring of young children. With these reforms to the Dayanand Social Security scheme, we are committed to providing sustained assistance,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the social welfare department has cleared 2,049 pending widow pension applications under the scheme.
Sawant pointed to an important change: widows no longer need to submit a request to the directorate of women and child development to cancel their Griha Aadhar benefits.
“Now, a widow can directly apply to the social welfare department for the Dayanand Social Security dole. If she has children under 21, then she will receive an additional Rs 1,500, on top of the Rs 2,500 monthly pension,” he added.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai explained that the Griha Aadhar benefit will automatically be discontinued for beneficiaries who qualify for the widow pension.
“There will be no need for manual cancellation. The Griha Aadhar benefit will automatically stop the day the widow pension is sanctioned,” he clarified, ensuring a seamless transition for recipients.
Widows with at least one child under the age of 21 will receive Rs 4,000 per month. This financial assistance will continue until the child reaches the age of 21, after which the widow will continue to receive Rs 2,500 monthly. The child’s birth certificate will be required as proof of age.
