The Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) is indeed a reasonable and beneficial scheme for truly deserving individuals. However, its implementation leaves much to be desired. Sadly, the scheme has been misused by many, largely due to political interference. MLAs recommending beneficiaries often do so with vote-bank motives, at the cost of the public exchequer.
There is an urgent need for rigorous verification of applicants’ movable assets, including pensions, bank and post office deposits, shares, rental income, and especially the income of family members. Before sanctioning benefits, authorities must first examine whether the applicant’s children are wilfully neglecting their duty to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, medicines, and clothing, as mandated under the Goa Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
Many glaring cases have surfaced where DSSS beneficiaries come from well-off families who have declared false information to avail themselves of benefits. Various surveys have exposed these bogus claims. Instead of casual surveys, the government must put in place foolproof mechanisms to detect irregularities. We must not forget that such welfare schemes are funded by taxpayers.
