Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa has become the first state in India to introduce dedicated financial assistance for persons with benchmark disabilities requiring intensive support with the launch of the High-Support Disability Scheme. Under the initiative, eligible beneficiaries will receive a one-time grant of Rs 40,000, which can be utilised over a period of five years.
Speaking at the launch, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai said the scheme aims to provide meaningful assistance to individuals who need high levels of support. “Beneficiaries have full discretion to use the aid according to their requirements,” he added.
The funds can be used for assistive devices, personal care, educational and vocational training, or therapeutic interventions such as physiotherapy and speech therapy. Applicants must be Goa residents from families with an annual income below Rs 8 lakh. Parents or guardians are required to obtain a High Support Need Certificate from North Goa District Hospital, South Goa District Hospital, Goa Medical College (GMC), or the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB).
The Minister cautioned that any false declarations or misuse of funds would result in cancellation of the assistance and recovery of the amount. The scheme can be availed once every five years. So far, assistance has been sanctioned for three beneficiaries, with many more applications under process. Desai also clarified that recipients of wheelchairs or monthly pensions under other schemes remain eligible for this support.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disability Guru Prasad Pawaskar highlighted that this is the first scheme introduced by the newly formed department, which is now nearly fully operational. He noted the scheme’s flexibility, allowing funds to be used not only for aids and appliances but also for therapeutic interventions, vocational training, or even to support starting a small business.
Pawaskar also shared updates from the Divyang Rath mobile unit, which recently assisted a youth from Canacona diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, providing physiotherapy and occupational therapy within 12 hours of receiving the case. The department currently serves 40–50 patients through home-based therapy services for senior citizens across Goa, offering physiotherapy and other interventions free of cost.
