NT Reporter
Panaji
The third phase of the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) survey, that was due to commence in September, remains pending as does the recovery of money, said a source in the department.
“The department had already managed to recover a significant amount of money and many names had been removed from the DSSS list. This had benefited the department and currently there is no need to begin the third phase because manpower is insufficient,” said Director of Social Welfare Dipak Desai.
He said that a government census would soon take place, which would provide accurate information. Until then, the department is continuously monitoring the DSSS list and updating KYC details.
“The next population census in Goa is expected to be conducted soon, and officials say this will make it unnecessary to put extra effort into carrying out a separate survey for people under the DSSS scheme,” the director said.
The first phase of the survey has found major irregularities, that revealed pensions were being given to nearly 4,000 beneficiaries who were either dead or not traceable at their registered addresses. This phase, which began in October 2024, covered beneficiaries above 80 years of age.
At the start of the survey, DSSS records showed around 26,000 beneficiaries aged above 80. Of these, 4,000 were found to be non-traceable or deceased, yet pension payments had continued for several months and, in some cases, years.
“The third phase was expected to begin soon after the second phase ended, but it has not started. This delay in process has delayed the verification of beneficiaries process under the scheme,” the source said.
During verification, each case was marked under categories such as ‘Genuine’, ‘Doubtful’, ‘Expired’, ‘House Not Traceable’, and ‘Migrated’.
Several crores was recovered from over 14,000 ineligible claimants during the first two phases, and further survey was expected to recover more, said a source.
While the second phase focused on people aged 75 to 80, the planned third phase—covering beneficiaries aged 70 to 75—was supposed to start in September. It was to be followed by the fourth phase (65 to 70) and the fifth phase (60 to 65).
