Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has called for stronger government support to voluntary organisations and social workers, announcing that the government will consider revising existing grant-in-aid schemes and improving honorariums for workers engaged in community welfare activities.
Addressing the Gomantak Seva Gaurav Puraskar ceremony, Sawant highlighted the contribution of more than 1,500 social workers and volunteers across Goa, who are working in areas ranging from childcare and elderly care to disability support, HIV awareness, animal welfare and environmental protection.
Recognising that several essential social services are delivered through NGOs, the Chief Minister said the government’s role should be to provide financial and logistical support to organisations that undertake work requiring long-term commitment and personal dedication.
He cited the example of a palliative care facility in Ponda, for which the government sanctioned an annual grant of approximately ₹2 crore to support medical staff and operational expenses.
Sawant also said grant-in-aid schemes formulated nearly a decade ago need revision to reflect present economic requirements. Improvements in honorariums and allowances for library staff and Umeed training centre facilitators are also under government consideration.
Calling for the Gomantak Seva Gaurav Puraskar to become an annual event, Sawant urged NGOs to adopt digital technology, maintain transparent records and expand their activities into waste management, environmental protection and youth career counselling.
He said voluntary organisations would play an important role in achieving the vision of Viksit Goa 2037 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
