PANAJI
The Department of Social Welfare has announced the release of the monthly pension for October for beneficiaries under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), with disbursement on December 26. The financial benefits for November are also expected by this month-end.
Speaking to The Goan, Social Welfare Director Ajit Panchwadkar revealed that the amount, sanctioned by the Finance and Accounts departments, was credited to the bank on Monday.
“The bank requires around 48 working hours to process the disbursement. Therefore, beneficiaries will receive the October benefit on December 26, since December 25 is a public holiday,” Panchwadkar said. He added that the department is also likely to credit the November benefits by month-end.
Reacting to the Goa Human Rights Commission’s notice taking suo motu cognizance of a report alleging delays in DSSS payments, Panchwadkar claimed the Commission had been misled by the organisation.
“Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the commission has directed a notice to the Director of Social Welfare to submit a monthly report or reply and to appear for a hearing on January 3, 2025, at 10:30 am,” read the notice issued by Acting Chairperson Desmond D’Costa and Member Pramod Kamat on Tuesday.
The issue was earlier raised in July when DSS pensions were allegedly delayed for three months. However, the department refuted the claims stating that payments were pending for only one month.
The department clarified that payments had been cleared up to May. The amount for June, around Rs 28 crore, was subsequently released.
Another official, wishing anonymity stated that the monthly doles are for the maintenance of beneficiaries, unlike assumptions that it needs to be released before any festivity.
