No hold-up in paying benefits, says Phal Dessai
Despite legislators across party lines expressing concern over the delayed disbursal of benefits under the social welfare scheme, social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai said that there is no hold-up in payments to beneficiaries.
'We have zero pendency under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme. The pendency does not go beyond 20 days,' he said.
Dessai said that 85% of the social welfare department's budget is spent on the DSSS. He said that he has spoken to the chief minister and the finance department to determine if beneficiaries can get the money directly into their bank accounts on a fixed day.
'Enhancement of benefits under the senior citizen scheme is under consideration.
We are trying to provide direct benefit transfers to senior citizens, disabled persons, women, and widows,' Dessai said.
He also said that the department has sought an additional Rs 20 crore in the supplementary budget for the Atal Asra scheme because the funds for this scheme have been exhausted.
Meanwhile, chief minister Pramod Sawant said that a request for an increase in the monthly payment for persons with disabilities is under consideration.
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