By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Keladara, August 29, 2026: A government schemes assistance programme was organised at Keladara village on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with the aim of helping villagers access various government welfare schemes and complete necessary online procedures closer to their homes. The initiative was particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to travel to government offices located far from the village.

The programme began at 8 a.m. The team initially faced difficulties because of poor network connectivity at the school and at Bachalabhai’s residence. With the cooperation of Bachalabhai and Manharbhai, the team moved to an open area where the network connection was better. The online work was then started and continued with the support of the villagers.

Fr Mayank, Director of Disha Don Bosco, along with the Don Bosco staff, later joined the programme. The team guided villagers about different government welfare schemes and patiently assisted beneficiaries with online applications, KYC procedures and other necessary documentation.

Several important services were provided during the programme. These included adding and removing names from ration cards, making corrections in ration card details and completing KYC formalities. Senior citizens were assisted with KYC and applications for old-age pension schemes. Assistance was also given for KYC and new applications under widow pension schemes. The team helped villagers complete forms related to currently available government seed schemes. Beneficiaries were also supported with photocopies of required documents and forms, while information and guidance about different government schemes were provided according to their needs.

The programme was temporarily interrupted by a power cut from approximately 12:50 p.m. to 3 p.m., during which online activities had to be suspended. Once electricity was restored, the team immediately resumed the remaining work. Despite the challenges of poor connectivity, limited time and the power interruption, good planning, cooperation and teamwork enabled the programme to be completed in an organised manner.

A total of 113 beneficiaries—52 women and 61 men—received assistance during the programme.

The villagers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. They shared that, because Keladara is situated far from government offices, travelling repeatedly to complete official procedures is difficult and time-consuming. They welcomed the opportunity to receive guidance and assistance within their own village and expressed their gratitude to the Disha Don Bosco team.

The programme was made successful through the active cooperation of VEP Class representative Bachalbhai, village leaders Bhaveshbhai, Manharbhai and Jashubhai, along with other village volunteers and community workers. The Disha Don Bosco team expressed its heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed.

The programme was a simple but meaningful effort to bring public services closer to rural communities and to help ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach those who need them most.