Chaotic scenes were reportedly witnessed across Goa on Saturday as crowds converged on municipalities and panchayats, with hundreds of people queuing up to obtain forms for enrolment in the free LPG cylinder scheme under the Goa Ujjwala Yojana. In Salcete, the rollout was marked by confusion, political overtones and widespread disappointment. A large number of anxious LPG consumers reportedly returned home without even obtaining the forms required to apply for the scheme. Clear information regarding eligibility, documentation, application procedures and deadlines should have been made available through official websites and other public channels. Enrolment could then have been carried out digitally, with applicants submitting the required documents from the convenience of their homes. Even for those who may not have access to the internet or require assistance, dedicated help desks or facilitation centres could have been established at panchayats and municipal offices. The process of accessing such benefits should therefore be simple, transparent and citizen-friendly. We live in an age when government services are increasingly being delivered online. Digital platforms can reduce paperwork, improve transparency and allow citizens to track their applications.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
