PANAJI: In a major reform aimed at streamlining welfare benefits, the Goa government has announced that widows with at least one child below the age of 21 will now be eligible to receive both the Widow Pension and the Griha Aadhar allowance, totalling Rs 4,000 per month.
Speaking at a press briefing today alongside Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the reform reflects the government’s commitment to “ease of access and maximum benefit” under welfare schemes.
"Earlier, these two benefits came from different departments and involved multiple applications. Now, the process is simplified. This is a major reform under our principle of Antyodaya, Gramodaya and Sarvodaya, ensuring no one is left behind," Sawant stated. “Once the child turns 21, the amount will revert to Rs 2,500,” he added.
Social Welfare Minister Phal Dessai said the reform would immediately benefit around 2,000 existing widow pensioners, with many more expected to qualify in the coming weeks.
“All widows with a child under 21 can now receive the combined Rs 4,000 by simply submitting a birth certificate. They no longer need to separately apply for or cancel Griha Aadhar,” he said.
He added that the department is handling all backend processes to make it easier for beneficiaries. “This reform will save time and eliminate confusion, ensuring widows get what they are entitled to without delay.”
During the briefing, the Chief Minister also announced the re-launch of the CM Scholarship Portal, a unified online platform for students to apply for scholarships offered by the Directorates of Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare, Education, and Higher Education.
“This single portal covers pre-matric to higher education scholarships, including those for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. Students can apply online and receive funds within 15 days to one month,” Sawant said.
Under the EWS category, students are eligible for reimbursement of up to Rs 25,000. The Chief Minister said that while nearly 50,000 students in Goa stand to benefit, close to 50 per cent of eligible students miss out on scholarships due to a lack of awareness.
He urged educational institutions to assist with the verification process and appealed to students from villages and those studying outside Goa to make use of the scheme.
“Many law students recently approached me seeking help to pay their fees. This portal is a solution to such challenges and ensures timely financial support,” Sawant said.
During last year’s launch, 13,000 students applied within the first 15 days, the Chief Minister informed, adding that the Finance and Social Welfare departments are continuously working to streamline scholarship disbursal mechanisms.
The government is also offering scholarships under the Labour Welfare Fund, which will be available on the portal within 45 days.
