PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday unveiled a string of enhanced welfare benefits across key social sectors in the State Budget for 2026–27, promising higher financial support to vulnerable groups, women and tribal communities while expanding health coverage under its flagship scheme.
Presenting the budget -- the last before the upcoming general assembly elections -- Sawant said the government will review and enhance benefits under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), a flagship welfare initiative launched about 25 years ago by former CM late Manohar Parrikar to support the elderly, persons with disabilities, widows and other needy citizens.
Citing the rising cost of living and the need to strengthen social security, Sawant said the scheme’s financial assistance would be increased from this financial year after a review. A provision of Rs 479 crore has been earmarked for the scheme.
He also announced Rs 5 crore provision to implement welfare schemes for the OBC community and proposed one-time special financial assistance for people engaged in traditional occupations such as carpenters, blacksmiths, florists and potters.
In the women and child development sector, Sawant proposed enhancing benefits under the Griha Aadhar Scheme, another welfare programme started during Parrikar’s tenure to support homemakers. The monthly honorarium under the scheme will be increased from this year, with Rs 330 crore allocated in the budget. “The enhancement amount will be decided after assessing the inflation and other related factors,” he said.
In the tribal welfare sector, the government proposed amendments to the Atal Asra Scheme aimed at improving housing support. Under the revised provisions, assistance for house repairs will be increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, while the financial aid for the construction or reconstruction of houses will be enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. A budgetary provision of Rs 15 crore has been made for the scheme.
In the health sector, Sawant announced that the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) would be revamped with higher claim limits and wider coverage. The government will review the package rates under the scheme and increase the claim limits to Rs 4 lakh and Rs 6 lakh. The scheme will also be extended to government employees, enabling them to access treatment at any empanelled hospital in the state.
