Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s new ₹3,000 annual LPG assistance scheme has run into implementation hurdles, with large crowds, shortages of application forms and a tight enrolment deadline leaving many residents struggling to apply.
The Goa Ujjwala Yojana, which provides financial assistance equivalent to the cost of three domestic LPG cylinders annually, opened for applications on September 5. However, with the process scheduled to close on September 8, residents have raised concerns over the limited time available to complete the formalities.
Panchayat and municipal offices across the State witnessed long queues as people arrived to collect forms and submit applications. In some areas, the initial stock of forms was exhausted, forcing local authorities to arrange photocopies to meet demand.
At Kavlem, 431 forms were initially distributed, while 160 completed applications were received before the forms ran out. In Anjuna, around 750 people were reportedly attended to over two days, despite only 350 forms being available initially.
The rollout has also coincided with preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi, adding to the difficulties faced by families trying to complete the application process. Several locals questioned why a scheme targeting thousands of households was given such a short application window.
The reliance on physical forms has further added to the burden. Residents pointed out that LPG-related benefits have previously been transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer system and suggested that an online application facility could have reduced queues, paperwork and repeated visits to government offices.
Some locals have sought an extension of the deadline, arguing that beneficiaries should be given sufficient time to apply without having to compromise their daily work or festival preparations. Concerns have also been raised over reports of forms being collected for distribution through elected representatives.
Opposition voices have questioned the timing and implementation of the scheme, while civil society representatives have pointed out that the process could disproportionately affect daily wage workers, who may lose income by spending hours in queues.
With the September 8 deadline approaching, beneficiaries are seeking an extension and a simpler application mechanism. While the scheme promises ₹3,000 in annual LPG support, the immediate challenge for many households is gaining access to the benefit without having to navigate long queues and avoidable paperwork.
