Panaji: The Goa government has denotified the ‘Sahayata’ scheme with immediate effect, according to a notification published in the Official Gazette on Thursday. It has also directed that all pending applications under the defunct scheme be disposed of without delay.
The decision comes in light of the state’s move to streamline NGO support through the introduction of the Mukhyamantri Sahayata Nidhi Yojana, launched on January 25, 2024.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Director of Social Welfare Ajit Panchwadkar said that the new scheme replaces the earlier ‘Sahayata’ scheme. “Earlier, the Sahayata scheme had no takers. The new, modified scheme has attracted more interest due to its enhanced structure and clarity,” he said.
This new scheme offers financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh in grants to eligible NGOs registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 within Goa.
Panchwadkar added that the department has received 25 applications under the new scheme within its first year, and each of the NGOs has been awarded the full Rs 5 lakh grant.
As per the scheme’s
provisions, the Directorate of Social Welfare can sanction a maximum of Rs 5 lakh per NGO in a financial year, disbursed in two equal instalments.
The funds are to be used for activities specified under Clause 3 of the scheme guidelines.
The government has retained the authority to amend the scheme or relax specific clauses to ensure its smooth implementation.
