PANAJI
Ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the BJP-led government has announced yet another poll bonanza by declaring to enhance the monthly financial assistance under its two flagship welfare schemes – Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) and Griha Aadhar, by at least Rs 500 each.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the government would shortly implement the enhancement, as assured in the State Budget 2026-27. “100% we are going to increase the benefit under the two schemes. It was my budget promise. The enhancement is to facilitate the increasing inflation,” he said.
Sawant said both schemes had completed more than 12 years and beneficiaries needed additional financial support amid rising prices.
Sources said proposals for the hike are currently being vetted by the Finance Department. The Social Welfare Department and Women and Child Development Department have proposed increasing the monthly assistance by Rs 500 under their respective schemes. The Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 480 crore for DSSS and Rs 249 crore for Griha Aadhar for the current financial year. The DSSS, launched in 2002, currently provides senior citizens with Rs 2,000 monthly assistance, along with an additional Rs 500 medical allowance. Following an amendment last year, eligible widows with their youngest child below 21 years are entitled to Rs 4,000 per month. The Griha Aadhar scheme, launched in 2013, provides Rs 1,500 per month to a married woman from each household. There are close to 2.5 lakh beneficiaries covered under both the schemes so far. Both schemes were conceptualised during the tenure of former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar.
Meanwhile, transgender persons and motorcycle taxi pilots are also expected to be brought under the ambit of the DSSS.
