Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji: Even as more than 40,000 widows in Goa receive assistance under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), some women said lack of awareness, documentation hurdles and financial hardship continue to shape their lives after the loss of their spouses.
On International Widows’ Day, widows from different parts of the state shared their experiences of rebuilding their lives while raising children and managing households, often with limited support.
“After my husband’s death due to tuberculosis, I had to rebuild my life from nothing. Starting my tailoring business gave me the confidence to stand on my own feet and provide for my children. I do receive scheme benefits, but the payments did not always come on time,” said Fatima, a widow from Panaji.
Leela from Bicholim said her husband died after being bedridden for five years following an accident.
“I was left with two children and no financial security. I have not received any government support as there was no one to guide me. I continue to work for my children’s future,” she said.
A widow from Khorlim, Mapusa, who lost her husband in a road accident, said she had two young children and no savings at the time.
“I was not aware of any government support and started working to support my family,” she said.
Another widow from Housing Board, Mapusa, said her application for government assistance could not proceed because she did not have a marriage certificate.
“Since then, I have managed household expenses through my job,” she said.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the department had deployed field workers in every panchayat and municipality to help eligible beneficiaries access welfare schemes.
“Around 7,200 widows below the age of 50 require additional support to meet the educational and other needs of their children. The Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) is amended to provide financial assistance to widows with dependent children,” he said.
Officials said the Directorate of Social Welfare has been disbursing pensions by the 10th of every month since October 2025. “Widows seeking benefits may approach field workers posted in panchayats and municipalities for assistance,” they said.
Phal Dessai further said the department had facilitated the transfer of eligible Griha Aadhar beneficiaries to DSSS, enabling them to receive additional benefits without interruption. The Direct
Benefit Transfer system ensures that beneficiaries receive payments directly into their bank accounts by the 10th of every month, he said.
