The Goa government has cleared 5,075 applications under the Atal Aasara Yojana in the last five years, while 86 applications remain pending, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai informed the Legislative Assembly.

Beneficiaries under the scheme are provided ₹1.5 lakh in financial assistance. The minister said the government is taking steps to speed up the processing of applications and ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not left waiting.

Phal Dessai said the Social Welfare Department will directly assess applications to expedite approvals. He also announced that an offline application facility will be introduced, alongside the existing online process.

The issue was raised by MLA Premendra Shet, who pointed out that some people face difficulties with the online-only application process. He also alleged that certain field surveyors were not carrying out their duties properly.

The minister assured the House that action would be taken against negligent field surveyors. He added that door-to-door assistance would be provided to senior citizens, wherever necessary, to help them access the scheme.

According to Phal Dessai, beneficiaries from Poriem, Valpoi and Sankhalim constituencies have availed themselves of the maximum benefits under the Atal Aasara Yojana.