Goa proposes to launch Rajiv Awas Yojana

Panaji, Mar 22 (UNI) The Goa government has proposed to launch a new scheme ''Rajiv Awas Yojana'' to cover all sections of society as against ''Indira Awas Yojana'' meant for below poverty line families.

Announcing this in the budget for new fiscal, Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane told the Legislative Assembly today that the scheme offers Rs 25,000 assistance for construction of a new house and Rs 12,500 for repairs.

A budgetary provision to cover 250 beneficiaries has been made and it would be extended further if the response is good, Mr Rane said.

In yet another new scheme ''Ummid'', Mr Rane spelt out grants to NGO's, panchayats and municipalities which open day care homes for senior citizens and provide them with free medical check up, hearing aides, spectacles and walking sticks.

''Sahara'' was another scheme providing insurance cover to all workers in the unorganised sector like motor cycle pilots, drivers, cleaners, toddy tappers, coconut pluckers, construction workers, fish and vegetable vendors, potters, traditional artisans and agricultural labourers. An initial Rs 30 lakh budgetary provision has been made for the scheme which is to be implemented through the LIC and will cover 30,000 workers.

Another Rs 50 lakh was provided for NGOs for starting shelter homes for women, besides extending financial assistance for maintenance of crematoria and cemeteries, Mr Rane added.

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