Over 100 govt employees availed scheme benefit through fraud

PANAJI: As many as 123 Goa government officials have fraudulently availed benefits under Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSS) since 2012, State Social Welfare Minister Mahadev Naik told the ongoing Legislative Assembly.

The scheme is meant to provide benefit to senior citizens, widows and physically challenged people who are provided with a monthly remuneration by the government.

As per records tabled in the House, a total of 123 government servants, including many women, were found taking benefits of the flagship scheme.

Naik said show cause notices have been issued to the employees concerened and the amount is being recovered along with eight per cent interest on principal amount received under the scheme.

He said the financial assistance was immediately stopped after the fraud was brought to the notice.

According to the list fraud beneficiaries as furnished by Naik, one of them has availed Rs 1.2 lakh.

Another employees has earned up to Rs 1.1 lakh while many up to Rs 2,000.