Sop for voluntary bodies denotified

Panaji: Govt has discontinued the Sahayata Scheme implemented by the department of social welfare. With the scheme having been denotified, pending applications if any will be disposed of.
The scheme was introduced in 2010-11, offering financial assistance up to Rs 5 lakh, in two instalments to voluntary bodies for conducting activities such as seminars, workshops, competitions, and medical camps. Any voluntary body seeking assistance under the scheme had to bear 20% of the cost.
An official said govt withdrew the scheme as it felt that its department had been carrying out most of the jobs, and assistance from external agencies was not required. The move would also help govt cut down expenses, the official said.
“We only need to use various social media platforms more effectively”, the official said, to boost awareness campaigns.