The Goa Government has amended the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), revising the monthly financial assistance provided to several beneficiary categories and extending coverage to transgender persons and motorcycle taxi pilots.

Under the revised provisions, senior citizens, single women, adult persons with disabilities and immune-deficient persons will receive ₹2,500 per month, up from ₹2,000.

The monthly assistance for children with disabilities below 90% has been increased from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000, while persons with 90% or higher disability will now receive ₹4,000 instead of ₹3,500.

The revised rates also provide higher assistance to widows. Those without children will receive ₹3,000 per month, compared to the earlier ₹2,500. Widows whose youngest child is below 21 years will receive ₹4,500, up from ₹4,000. Widows whose youngest child is above 21 years, as well as widows above 60 years, will be eligible for ₹3,000 per month.

The amendment also introduces transgender persons as a beneficiary category, with monthly assistance of ₹2,500. Applicants will have to produce a residence certificate from the concerned Mamlatdar confirming at least 10 years of residence in Goa. Alternatively, a certificate in the prescribed format issued by a state government gazetted officer may be submitted. A transgender person certificate or identity card issued by the competent authority is also required.

Motorcycle taxi pilots have also been brought under the scheme. Eligible pilots aged between 50 and 60 years will receive ₹2,000 per month, while those aged 60 and above will be entitled to ₹2,500. Applicants must possess a valid motorcycle taxi licence and badge, be members of a registered motorcycle taxi association and have a stand allotted by the competent authority. The required pilot certificate or identity card and RTO badge must have been issued at least five years before the notification.

The amendment further allows the spouse of a beneficiary under the Persons with Disabilities category to receive assistance under the Senior Citizen category, provided the eligibility conditions are met. Spouses of beneficiaries under the Kala Samman Scheme can also apply under the Senior Citizen category, subject to the prescribed criteria.