Divya Niwaas Yojana provides financial assistance to registered organizations, government organizations, non-government organizations and institutions for running residential facilities and half way homes for persons with disabilities in Goa. This scheme, earlier known as the scheme to provide financial assistance for residential facilities and half way homes, was formally launched by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa on 15 May 2025. It gives operational grants so that these bodies can offer safe shelter, nutritious food, medical care and hygienic living conditions to persons with disabilities.
The scheme works on a reimbursement model. An eligible organization can receive up to ₹4,00,000 per month to meet the regular running costs of its residential facility or half way home. Along with this, a one time grant of ₹50,000 is given once in every five years to buy furniture and utensils. If your organization runs a residential space for persons with disabilities and meets the conditions, you can apply for this support through the prescribed application process.
Divya Niwaas Yojana - Key Information
The scheme is a state level scheme of Goa. It is run by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa. The main aim is to help organizations that already work for the care, support and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities to keep their residential facilities going without money problems.
Organizations that get the grant must keep their accounts separate from normal activities and keep them open for audit. The grant is paid on a reimbursement basis, so the organization first spends the money and then claims it back with proper bills, vouchers and receipts. The department releases the funds in two installments in a year, and the second installment is released only after the Utilization Certificate in FORM-12A is submitted.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Divya Niwaas Yojana |
| Launched By | Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa |
| Launch Date | 15 May 2025 |
| Level | State (Goa) |
| Beneficiaries | Registered organizations, NGOs, institutions and government bodies |
| Benefit Type | Cash (operational grant) |
| Maximum Grant | Up to ₹4,00,000 per month |
| One Time Grant | ₹50,000 once in five years |
| Application Mode | Offline to the Director, DEPwD, Porvorim |
| Official Website | goaprintingpress.gov.in |
Benefits
The main benefit is the monthly operational grant that covers the day to day running costs of a residential facility or half way home. The grant is split across different heads so that every part of the facility, from staff salary to food and medical care, gets covered.
| Item | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Grant limit | Up to ₹4,00,000 |
| Medical Officer / Counsellor / Therapist | ₹60,000 |
| Admin, Clerk and Staff | ₹1,34,000 |
| Admin Expenses | ₹46,000 |
| Food Expenses | ₹1,20,000 |
| Medical Expenses | ₹40,000 |
A one time grant of ₹50,000 is given once in every five years for buying furniture and utensils. The grant works on a reimbursement basis, so the organization gets back 75% of the claimed cost while it must bear 25% on its own. The department releases the funds in two six month installments in a year.
Eligibility
Any registered voluntary organization, non-government organization, government organization or institution that works for the empowerment of persons with disabilities can apply. The organization must be registered under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and must have at least 20 inmates in its facility at the time of applying. It should also have at least one year of field experience and enough money to run the facility on its own for at least three months even if the grant gets delayed.
For NGOs and institutions, the following conditions apply:
- Registration under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is required for every grantee institution.
- The facility must house a minimum of 20 inmates at the time of application.
- At least one year of field experience in working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities must be shown.
- The organization must prove that it can sustain operations for at least three months on its own money.
- The institution should have a clean record with no criminal cases filed against it.
- The facility must have accessible physical and digital infrastructure for all residents.
For government organizations, the conditions of registration, minimum inmates and field experience do not apply. The organization must also be able to bring the community together and network with other service providers for the best use of resources.
Exclusions
An organization will be disqualified from getting future grants if it fails to submit the Utilization Certificate and Audited Statement of Accounts within six months from the date the grant was released. Any breach of the terms and conditions of the scheme will also lead to immediate disqualification. The grant cannot be claimed as a matter of right, and the government can modify, suspend or discontinue the scheme at any time.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the official Goa printing press website and fill in every section. Attach a passport sized photograph and make sure all documents are self attested. The application form is given in Annexure I, II and III of the official notification.
STEP 2 - Submit the completed application package to The Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Building 'B', New Market Complex, 3rd Floor, Porvorim, Goa - 403 501. The application must be accompanied by all the required documents.
STEP 3 - Authorized officers will inspect the facility. After a positive inspection report, the Sanctioning Committee will review the application for approval. The committee is headed by the Minister for the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities as Chairperson.
Documents Required
Along with the application form, the organization must submit proof of one year of field experience, the registration certificate under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and audited financial statements for the previous year. A list of inmates, a copy of the bank passbook, staff details and an affidavit about financial independence are also needed.
For ongoing reimbursements, the organization must regularly provide original bills, vouchers, receipts and the FORM-12A Utilization Certificate. The accounts must be maintained separately and kept open for internal audit, concurrent audit and inspection by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
References
View Official Scheme Guidelines and Application Form
FAQ's
Is this scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, Divya Niwaas Yojana is a continuing state scheme of Goa. It came into force on 15 May 2025 and remains in operation until the government modifies or discontinues it. No closure or replacement has been announced as of August 2026.
How much grant can an organization get?
An eligible organization can receive up to ₹4,00,000 per month as an operational grant, plus a one time grant of ₹50,000 once in five years for furniture and utensils.
How is the grant paid?
The grant is paid on a reimbursement basis. The organization spends the money first and then claims it back with bills, vouchers and receipts. The department refunds 75% of the claimed cost and the organization bears 25%.
How many inmates must a facility have?
The facility must have a minimum of 20 inmates at the time of applying for the scheme.
Is registration under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act required?
Yes, all NGOs and institutions must be registered under Section 50 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
When must the Utilization Certificate be submitted?
The Utilization Certificate in FORM-12A must be submitted within six months from the date the grant funds were released to the account.
What happens if an organization violates the scheme conditions?
Any violation of the scheme terms leads to immediate disqualification from receiving future financial support.
Where is the application submitted?
The application is submitted offline to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Building 'B', New Market Complex, 3rd Floor, Porvorim, Goa - 403 501.
How much field experience is needed?
The organization must show at least one year of field experience in working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
What level of financial stability is needed?
The organization must be able to run its residential operations on its own for at least three months, even if the government grant is delayed.
What is the requirement about criminal records?
The institution must have a clean reputation with no criminal cases filed against it or its management.
Will the government audit the accounts?
Yes, the accounts must remain open to internal audit, concurrent audit and inspection by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.