PANAJI
The release of pensions under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) has once again been delayed with senior citizens, disabled persons and widows awaiting their payments for three months. However, the department has refuted the allegation stating the pendency is only for one month.
“We have cleared the payments up to May. The pending payments are only for June,” official sources told The Goan.
Despite this claim, some beneficiaries confirmed they had not received their payments. “No payments are credited into the accounts of pensioners after April. There is a budgeted amount yet the pension doesn’t come on time. There are Supreme Court directions about making payments on the last day of the month, but why is it not being adhered to?” said one aggrieved pensioner.
The official, however, maintained that payments are usually released on the 10th of every month and files are regularly sent to the Finance Department for approval. “Funds are released as per availability. There is no delay as is being portrayed. The pending payments are only for June,” he reiterated.
The State has around 1.38 lakh DSSS beneficiaries, receiving funds from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 depending on various categories.
The department has, meanwhile, intensified its drive to identify bogus beneficiaries as field assistants are conducting surveys to remove those no longer eligible for the scheme. Around 1,500 ineligible persons have been identified till date, whose benefits are stopped and notices issued.
“Many are in service but their parents avail of DSSS benefits. All those whose income is more than Rs 24,000 per annum are not eligible for this scheme. The identification of such people is ongoing. If they are removed from the scheme, we can include other eligible beneficiaries,” the official said. It is also learnt that some involved in the tourism business are still availing of the scheme.
