Sankhali, May 17
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday attended the 'Atal Asra Yojana' programme and announced financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh for economically weaker sections to carry out home repairs. The scheme, run by the Social Welfare Department, aims to benefit thousands of families across the state ahead of the monsoon season.
Speaking to ANI at the event, CM Sawant said, "Today is a memorable day. One house changed my mind. It was every dream of mine to go home."
The Atal Asra Yojana targets families with annual incomes below Rs 3 lakh, offering Rs 1.5 lakh per household for urgent home repairs. The amount will be transferred in two equal instalments of Rs 75,000 each.
"We have organised a camp for the Atal Asra scheme across Goa under the leadership of Subhash Phaldesai. At least eight to ten thousand people will benefit from this camp," the Chief Minister said.
Appreciating the department's efforts, he added, "I congratulate Subhash Phaldesai and his entire department, who organised this camp to deposit Rs 1.5 lakh in their account before the rain for those who needed Antyodaya elements."
Highlighting the scheme's timely benefit, CM Sawant said, "Those who need Rs 1.5 lakh to repair their house and were without money, the amount will be deposited in their account in fifteen days and they will have this money to repair their homes."
He called the initiative a success of the "double engine" BJP government, committed to serving the most underprivileged sections of society. He also announced that the outreach would continue through the 'Sarkar Tumchya Daari' (Government at Your Doorstep) programme after the monsoon.
"We will once again organise this government at your doorstep. Every such program by the Social Welfare Department...our Swayampurna Mitra, Swayampurna Goa program...this program for the disabled, organises it," he said.
Emphasising the government's inclusive approach, CM Sawant added, "We desire to provide disabled equipment for every disabled person in Goa. We are providing it, so I congratulate my department very much. There will not be a single disabled person in Goa for whom we are not providing the necessary equipment."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a much-needed initiative before monsoon hits Goa! Many poor families struggle with leaking roofs and damaged walls during rains. ₹1.5 lakh may not build a new house but will surely help in urgent repairs. Hope the funds reach genuine beneficiaries without middlemen interference ðŸ™
Good scheme but implementation is key. Last year's housing grant had delays and many complained about complex paperwork. Government should make the process simple - maybe through Aadhaar-linked direct transfers. Also, why only ₹3 lakh income limit? Middle class also faces housing issues in expensive Goa!
As a Goan, I appreciate this pro-poor move. The 'double engine' reference shows BJP's confidence before elections, but let's not politicize welfare schemes. Just ensure transparency in beneficiary selection. Also, hope they include proper drainage repairs - monsoon flooding is a bigger issue than roof leaks in many areas!
The disabled equipment initiative is commendable! 👠But ₹1.5 lakh seems insufficient for major structural repairs. In coastal areas, salt corrosion damages homes badly. Maybe a graded assistance system based on damage severity would be better? Still, a good start before rainy season arrives.
Sawant government is doing good work for underprivileged, no doubt. But what about monitoring? Last time some misused funds for non-repair purposes. Should have mandatory before-after photos submission and local panchayat verification. Jai Goa! 🚩
While the scheme is good, I wish they'd also focus on proper urban planning. Many poor build homes in flood-prone areas because they have no alternative. Temporary repairs won't solve long-term problems. Need comprehensive housing policy along with such financial aid.
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