Government of Goa, through through the Department for empowerment of persons with disabilities has introduced the Divya Niwas Yojana, a pioneering welfare scheme aimed at strengthening residential and long-term care support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Introduced in May 2025, the scheme provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 4 lakh per month to eligible organisations operating residential or halfway homes for PwDs.
The scheme is designed to support registered Government organisations, institutions, and Non-Government Organisations that are engaged in exemplary work for the care, assistance, and rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. The financial support is provided in the form of an operational grant, enabling organisations to offer essential services such as safe shelter, nutritious food, medical care, and hygienic living conditions.
Under the Divya Niwas Yojana, a financial assistance of Rs 9.12 lakh has been released to the National Association for the Blind, St. Cruz, Panaji, an organisation actively engaged in providing residential care, rehabilitation and essential support services for persons with visual disabilities. The grant will be utilised towards meeting operational expenses, including shelter, nutrition, medical care and maintenance of hygienic living conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of life and long-term care facilities for the beneficiaries.
Speaking on the initiative, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai, stated: “ The Divya Niwas Yojana reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of persons with disabilities. By extending structured financial support to organisations that provide residential care, healthcare and rehabilitation services, we are ensuring that no individual is left behind. This scheme strengthens social security, promotes inclusive development, and reinforces our vision of a compassionate and equitable Goa.”
Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, said: “Divya Niwas Yojana is a significant step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities who need long-term residential care are provided a safe, dignified and supportive environment. By extending operational grants to committed organizations, the Government is reinforcing its responsibility towards inclusive welfare, health security and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.”
“We express our sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister of Goa for addressing a long-pending demand of the Disability sector, which has finally been fulfilled. This thoughtful decision reflects the Government’s commitment for empowering the NGOs providing residential facilities to persons with disabilities and ensuring their dignity, security, and well-being. NAB deeply appreciates this meaningful step that will positively impact the lives of many beneficiaries,” said Rozendo Mendonssa, National Association for the Blind.
By ensuring sustained institutional support, Divya Niwas Yojana directly contributes to social security, health equity, and dignity for PwDs who require long-term residential care and rehabilitation.
The scheme underscores the State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate support system, while empowering organisations that play a crucial role in improving the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities across Goa, stated a press release.
