Panaji, July 21:
Vasco MLA Sankalp Amonkar has raised serious concerns over the continued delay in disbursal of benefits under the Dayanand Social Security (DSS) Scheme, stating that hundreds of senior citizens are facing severe hardship due to bureaucratic hurdles and repeated verification exercises.
Speaking in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Amonkar highlighted that monthly DSS payments have been halted for many elderly beneficiaries following a government survey that flagged discrepancies in age records, electricity bills, and even cases marked as “non-traceable.”
“Despite submitting all necessary documents and clarifications, many senior citizens are still not receiving their rightful benefits. They are being forced to make repeated visits to banks and Social Welfare offices with no resolution in sight,” Amonkar said.
He expressed concern that the situation has caused financial and emotional distress to elderly citizens who depend on this social security support for their basic needs.
The Dayanand Social Security Scheme provides monthly financial assistance to senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. However, ongoing procedural delays and documentation issues have led to widespread complaints and disruption in timely payments.
Amonkar called on the government to urgently streamline the verification process, reinstate suspended accounts without unnecessary delays, and ensure that beneficiaries are not made to suffer due to administrative inefficiency.
“The DSS Scheme was launched to provide dignity and support to our elderly, not to add to their burden,” he said, urging the Department of Social Welfare to act with compassion and efficiency.
