PANAJI
The State government has officially scrapped the ‘Sahayata’ scheme, more than 14 years after it was launched to provide financial help of Rs 50,000 to NGOs working for social welfare.
The decision was taken due to a lack of interest in the scheme after the introduction of the Mukhyamantri Sahayata Nidhi Yojana in January 2024, which offers similar benefits.
Under the new scheme, the government provides financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to each NGO working for the welfare of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The funds are given through the Social Welfare Department.
A senior official confirmed that the ‘Sahayata’ scheme, introduced in 2011, was discontinued due to no response. “Since the launch of the Mukhyamantri Sahayata Nidhi Yojana, which offers Rs 5 lakh, no one applied for the older scheme that gave only Rs 50,000,” the official said.
The official added that the government decided to denotify the scheme based on a proposal from the department. “There are currently no pending applications under it,” the official said.
The scheme was open to all NGOs registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, in Goa.
