Griha Aadhar Scheme Goa – ₹1,500 Monthly Financial Assistance for Homemakers

The Griha Aadhar Scheme is a flagship programme of the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to support housewives/homemakers from the middle, lower middle, and poor sections of society by providing financial assistance to help manage the rising cost of living. Under this scheme, a prescribed monthly amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiaries to help maintain a reasonable standard of living for their families.

Benefits

Monthly Financial Assistance:
- ₹1,500/- per month is provided to eligible housewives/homemakers.

Eligibility Criteria

Marital Status:
- The applicant must be a married woman.
Age Requirement:
- The applicant should be above 18 years.
Residency:
- The applicant must have been a resident of Goa for the last 15 years.
Income Limit:
- The combined gross income of the husband and wife should not exceed ₹3,00,000/- per annum.
Special Provision for Widows:
- A widow with a minor child who is receiving benefits under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, shall also be eligible.

Exclusions

Exclusion from DSSS Benefits:
- Neither the married woman nor her husband should be receiving benefits under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS).
Employment Restrictions:
- The scheme is not applicable to those married women (or whose husband is employed) on a regular basis by:
  - The Government of Goa, its corporations, or autonomous organizations funded by the State Government.
  - The Government of India, any other State Government, or their respective corporations/autonomous bodies.
  - Scheduled Banks (except for Co-operative Banks, subject to actual income assessment).

Application Process

Offline Submission:

Complete the Application Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields on the form, affix a passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
Submission:
- Send the completed application form along with the supporting documents to:
  Director, Directorate of Women And Child Development, Panaji-Goa,
  2nd Floor, Old Education Building, 18th June Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa – 403 001.

Documents Required

Identification & Address:
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of present residential address (e.g., Election Photo Identity Card or equivalent)
Residency Proof (15 years):
- If the applicant is a native of Goa: Residence Certificate (issued by the Mamlatdar of the concerned Taluka)
- If from outside Goa: Residence Certificate of the husband along with the applicant’s Birth Certificate (provided the husband is of Goan origin and the couple has settled in Goa for at least one year)
Income Proof:
- Income Certificate issued by the competent authority (Secretary, Village Panchayat/Chief Officer, Municipal Council)
Declaration:
- A self-declaration, certified and attested before a Gazetted Officer, stating that the annual income does not exceed ₹3,00,000/- and that neither the applicant nor her husband is employed in any excluded entity.
Bank Details:
- Self-attested copy of the Savings Bank Account Passbook (preferably Aadhaar-linked for Direct Benefit Transfer purposes)
Marriage & Family Proof:
- Marriage Certificate issued by the competent authority (alternatively, the Birth Certificate of the child indicating the beneficiary as the mother may be accepted if a Marriage Certificate is unavailable)
For Widows Beneficiaries:
- Birth Certificate of the child along with a life certificate

Additional Requirement for Continued Benefits

Monthly Submission:
- In the month of receiving benefits, the following documents must be submitted:
  - Life Certificate of the beneficiary (signed by a Gazetted Officer, MLA, or MP)
  - Updated Income Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
  - Life Certificate of the child (in case of a widow beneficiary)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is considered a married woman under the scheme’s eligibility criteria?
- A woman legally married as per the prescribed norms is considered eligible.
How is the “gross income” defined for eligibility?
- It is the total income of both the husband and wife from all sources, without deductions.
Are widows and divorcees subject to the same income limit as married women?
- Widows can be eligible under a special provision if they have a minor child and receive benefits under the DSSS; divorcees are not covered by this scheme.
What income sources are considered under “gross income”?
- All sources of income including salary, business income, pensions, and other earnings are considered.
How are deductions handled while calculating gross income?
- No deductions are considered; the gross total is used to determine eligibility.
What happens if the beneficiary fails to submit the required life and income certificates?
- Benefits may be withheld or discontinued until the necessary documentation is provided.
What is the consequence if the beneficiary does not withdraw the financial assistance for 6 months or more?
- Specific guidelines outline the procedure for non-withdrawal; refer to the official guidelines for detailed implications.
What are the consequences of availing benefits based on false information?
- Incorrect or false declarations may lead to penalties or discontinuation of the benefits.
How is the scheme implemented to address any difficulties that arise?
- The Department of Women & Child Development provides support through designated offices and helplines to resolve issues.
How is the financial assistance disbursed?
- The assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Can widows and divorcees avail the scheme’s benefits?
- Widows are eligible under specified conditions; divorcees are not covered.
How much financial assistance is provided?
- Beneficiaries receive ₹1,500/- per month.