Govt may hike DSSS pension amount next year: CM

Porvorim: Chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday told the Goa assembly that the government would consider hiking financial assistance given under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) in the next budget. A suggestion in this regard came from Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo during ‘question hour’. He asked the government to hike the pension under the scheme from Rs2,000 to Rs2,500-3,000 a month.
Parrikar, who appeared for social welfare minister Pandurang Madkaikar, also warned that anyone found availing of the scheme’s benefits on basis of bogus documentation, will have to face criminal proceedings. “It will be treated as cheating and a criminal offence will be registered against such persons. New clauses will be added to the scheme, next year,” the CM said replying to a question tabled by Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues.
Rodrigues asked if the ongoing review of the social security scheme, which started earlier this year, was having any impact. The review will conclude by December.
Parrikar said that while the review is yet to be completed, so far it was found that names of 4,377 beneficiaries continued to appear on the list though had they died a while ago. “Their families did not bother to intimate the department and money continued to be deposited into the deceased people’s bank accounts,” Parrikar said.
To reduce such mistakes, Parrikar said in future, once a year, thumb impression of beneficiaries will be taken.
The review also revealed that 307 beneficiaries have moved to other parts of the country, 145 out of the country, while 251 have voluntarily withdrawn from the scheme.
Parrikar said the total survey sample was 2,34,398 lakh, which includes Griha Aadhar beneficiaries. The surveyor have verified 96,882 beneficiaries, of which 88,864 have proved to be genuine. “As much as 75% are deserving candidates,” he said.
The review so far, Parrikar said, has helped the government save Rs 2 crore per month. Survey finding showed that houses of 10,037 beneficiaries were not traceable, while 1,382 applicants were not available when the surveyor showed up. Parrikar urged members of the House to help located residences of those whose houses can’t be traced.