GOVT HIKES DSSS GRANT FOR WIDOWS WITH CHILDREN UNDER 21 YEARS
Panaji:
The Goa government has announced a significant hike in the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) for widows with children under 21 years. Effective immediately, the monthly financial assistance has been increased to Rs 4,000, marking a significant step towards supporting vulnerable families.
The revised scheme was revealed on the occasion of Goa’s 63rd Liberation Day on Thursday, symbolizing the state’s commitment to social welfare.
The Social Welfare Department, responsible for implementing the scheme, outlined the revised benefits:
Widows without children will receive Rs 2,500 per month.
Widows with the youngest child under 21 years will now get Rs 4,000 per month.
Widows aged above 60 years, with the youngest child over 21 years, will also receive Rs 2,500 per month.
Notably, beneficiaries under this scheme cannot simultaneously avail benefits under the Griha Aadhar scheme by the Directorate of Women and Child Development.
To ensure fair distribution, the scheme has a beneficiary capacity limit of 1.40 lakh. Applications beyond this limit will be placed on a first-come, first-served waiting list. Additionally, only families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.50 lakh are eligible for assistance.
This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to widowed mothers, enabling them to meet the educational and daily needs of their children.
