In a significant move towards inclusive welfare, the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, has notified the ‘Divya Niwaas Yojana’, aimed at providing financial assistance to organizations running residential facilities or halfway homes for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The scheme was officially launched on May 15, 2025, and comes into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
🎯 Objective of the Scheme
The Divya Niwaas Yojana intends to:
- Support registered NGOs, government bodies, and institutions offering shelter, medical care, and food to PwDs.
- Provide financial aid to ensure safe, hygienic, and supportive living conditions.
- Promote long-term rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations must be registered under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Must house a minimum of 20 inmates at the time of application.
- At least one year of experience in working with PwDs is required.
- Organizations must be financially viable, reputable, and have accessible infrastructure.
- Government institutions are exempt from certain eligibility conditions.
💰 Financial Assistance Pattern
Eligible organizations may receive up to ₹4,00,000 per month as operational grants, broken down as:
| Component | Amount (per month) |
| Recurring Grants | |
| Payment to Medical Officer/Councilor/Therapist | Rs.60,000/- p.m |
| Payment to team of Administrative Staff | Rs.1,34,000/- p.m |
| 01 Manager | Rs.20,000/- p.m |
| 01 Clerk | Rs.18000/- p.m |
| 06 Attendant /Care taker/Aaya/Driver @16000/p.m | Rs.96000/- p.m |
| Admisnistrative Expenses such as (Rent/Maintenance/Electricity /water/telephone/Mobile/Newspaper etc | Rs.46000/- p.m |
| Food Expenses (Rs.200/-per 20 inmates ) | Rs.1,20,000/- p.m |
| Medical Expenses | Rs. 40,000/- p.m |
| TOTAL | ₹4,00,000 |
Additionally, a one-time grant of ₹50,000 (once every five years) will be provided for furniture and utensils.
- The government will reimburse 75% of the expenditure based on bills, with the applying organization required to contribute the remaining 25%.
- Grants will be disbursed in two installments annually, subject to submission of utilization certificates.
📋 Documents Required
Organizations must submit:
- Registration Certificate under RPwD Act
- Previous year’s activity report and audited financials
- List of inmates, service details, and affidavit regarding funding from other departments
- Bank details
🧾 Conditions & Oversight
- Grants cannot be claimed as a right.
- Separate registers and accounts must be maintained.
- Subject to internal and government audits, including by the CAG.
- Non-compliance in audits or utilization reports may lead to disqualification from future grants.
🏛️ Sanctioning Authority
Applications will be reviewed and approved by a Sanctioning Committee comprising:
Minister for DEPWD – Chairperson
Secretary, DEPWD – Member
Director, DEPWD – Member Secretary
⚖️ Government Flexibility
The Government of Goa retains the right to interpret, amend, or relax any provision of the scheme in genuine cases.
This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and strengthening the network of care homes across Goa. Eligible institutions are encouraged to apply and contribute to building a more inclusive society.
