PANAJI: The State government has indicated that financial assistance under the Atal Asra Yojna is being misused by some beneficiaries.
With a stern warning and a clear promise, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday assured that pending funds under the scheme will be released within a month, but also warned beneficiaries that the aid is not to fulfil luxuries.
“The financial assistance provided under the Atal Asra Yojna must be used solely for the purpose for which it is sanctioned, either for house construction or repairs. This money is not meant for purchasing a car or for any other expenditure,” Sawant said while speaking at the special drive held under the scheme at Sanquelim.
He made it clear that the government would initiate recovery proceedings against any beneficiary found misusing the aid, based on departmental checks or complaints.
Sawant also assured that the first instalment of Rs 75,000 would be credited to eligible beneficiaries within a month.
As per the scheme, applicants with an annual income of less than Rs 3 lakh are eligible for the assistance.
Implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Atal Asra Yojna provides financial aid to economically weaker sections, particularly from SC, ST, and OBC communities. The scheme offers up to Rs 3 lakh for home construction and Rs 1.5 lakh for repairs.
A series of special drives are currently underway across Goa to expedite the processing of applications. Until these camps, over 2,500 beneficiaries have received assistance amounting to Rs 56 crore.
