Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale has said the Central Government is ready to support additional old age homes and welfare facilities for Divyangjan in Goa. Addressing media in the State secretariat, Athawale said ten old age homes run by NGOs with support from the Goa Government are functioning well. He said the Centre’s old age home scheme can support two to three more facilities in Goa, with one proposed for each district. According to the Minister, each unit can accommodate 25 persons and may be expanded to 50 beds if required. He said proposals from NGOs can be submitted online and the Union Government is prepared to provide grants for eligible projects.
Athawale also highlighted issues concerning Divyangjan welfare in Goa. He said, according to Census figures, Goa has around 33,000 Divyangjan, while over 11,000 beneficiaries receive pensions in the State. The Minister noted that Goa currently does not have a dedicated government school for Divyangjan. He said the Centre is willing to assist the State in setting up such a facility. Athawale added that discussions are underway with Goa Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai to strengthen support systems for differently-abled persons in the State.
Minister shared figures related to Central welfare schemes in the State. He said more than 4 lakh people have benefited under the Mudra loan scheme. Around 29,000 beneficiaries in Goa have received assistance under Ayushman Bharat. Athawale also said atrocities against Dalits in Goa remain comparatively low. He praised the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and urged people to support domestic tourism and economic savings as appealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
