PANAJI
For the first time, transgender persons and motorcycle taxi pilots could become eligible for benefits under Goa's Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), as the State government has moved to broaden the scope of its flagship welfare program.
The State has also proposed increasing the monthly assistance paid to its beneficiaries.
The proposed revisions, initiated after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called for a review of the scheme during the Budget, are awaiting approval from the Finance Department before being notified.
Director of Social Welfare Deepak Desai told The Goan that the department has already begun drafting the revised scheme following the CM's directions.
"This is the first time transgender persons will be covered under the scheme. Around 300 of them are in Goa and are expected to become eligible once the revised scheme comes into force," he said.
The government also proposes to include motorcycle taxi pilots aged 50 and above under the social security program. "The revised proposal, incorporating fresh eligibility norms and other conditions, will be forwarded to the Finance Department for approval before the final notification is issued," Desai said.
Besides widening the eligibility criteria, the government has also intended to enhance the monthly assistance by at least Rs 500. The final amount will however be decided after the proposal is cleared.
