Govt re-launches CM Scholarship Portal; promises quicker, easier access to student funds
PANAJI
In a major step to simplify welfare benefits, the Goa government has announced that widows with at least one child under 21 years will now get both the Widow Pension and the Griha Aadhar allowance, adding up to Rs 4,000 per month.
Speaking at a press briefing today with Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the reform shows 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 change will immediately help around 2,000 current widow pensioners, and many more are 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 taking care of all backend work 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 single 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 can get a reimbursement of up to Rs 25,000. The Chief Minister said that while nearly 50,000 students in Goa can benefit, close to 50 per cent of eligible students miss out on scholarships due to a lack of awareness.
He urged educational institutions to help with the verification process and appealed to students from villages and those studying outside Goa to use 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 improve scholarship disbursal.
The government is also offering scholarships under the Labour Welfare Fund, which will be available on the portal within 45 days.
