What You Need to Know
A consultation with NGOs in Mauritius has commenced to discuss the proposed National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Minister Ashok Kumar Subron emphasized the need for a revised approach to poverty, highlighting the gap between the rich and poor. The MPI aims to better identify vulnerable populations and improve policy-making in the fight against poverty.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Follow-Up Consultation with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on the Proposed National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) opened this morning at the Docks in Port-Louis, in the presence of the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron. The first meeting was held on 16 October 2025 on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The Junior Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen, was also present.
In his address, Minister Subron highlighted the need to fundamentally change the country’s approach to poverty. He dwelt on the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the increasing divide between affluence, wealth accumulation and poverty.
According to him, one key corrective measure to address this disparity is through ensuring social transfers to the most vulnerable sections of the population. He also pointed out that Mauritius remains one of the few countries which endorsed a large-scale social transfer that enabled the country to significantly reduce social disparities. Without this mechanism, the level of poverty in Mauritius would have reached 36,4%, he affirmed.
Emphasising that poverty is still a reality in Mauritius, the Minister deplored that the current Poverty Threshold is set for families earning less than Rs 14,500 per month, and adults earning Rs 3,500 per month. As per the latest statistical figures, he stated, there are 101,000 persons who fall under the poor category while the poverty support system provides for only 31,000 persons. This indicates that there is a major defect in our current system, which calls for an urgent need to revise the Poverty Threshold, he added.
The MPI, said Minister Subron, is tailored to Mauritian realities to better identify vulnerable individuals and regions, and will be a crucial tool in the fight against poverty. He observed that it will also be a gamechanger for Government in policy making and for directing resources.
The Multidimensional Poverty Index
The MPI assesses poverty at the individual and household level, and measures both the level and intensity of poverty among the population based on a set of dimensions other than income. It considers other factors such as health, education, housing and living conditions.
Mauritius has made significant strides in social welfare, particularly through social transfers that have reduced poverty levels. The country has historically faced challenges related to income disparity, prompting the government to seek innovative solutions like the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). This index aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of poverty by considering various factors beyond income, such as health and education, which are crucial for effective policy-making.
