The Goa Government has started releasing the first ₹3,000 instalment to beneficiaries under the Goa Ujjwala Scheme whose applications have been scrutinised, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.

Sawant clarified that all eligible beneficiaries may not receive the payment at the same time. The next phase of payments is expected to be released within the next five to eight days, taking into account the bank holidays.

The scheme provides financial assistance covering the cost of three free LPG cylinders to eligible beneficiaries.

Clarifying the application process, Sawant said around 99 per cent of the forms should be filled by women, irrespective of whose name the LPG connection is registered under.

He said applications submitted by men would also be accepted if they are accompanied by their wife’s bank passbook. In cases where a man has lost his wife, he can apply under his own name, the Chief Minister clarified.

The government has been releasing the benefit in phases following scrutiny and verification of the applications.