Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, reiterated the unflinching resolve of Government to cater for the welfare and social protection of all citizens, in particular the most vulnerable ones, those with disabilities and elderly persons, at a press conference held, yesterday, in Port-Louis.
The press conference focused on the major achievements of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity for the year 2022.
Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo highlighted that Government’s priority is to consolidate both social and economic progress across the country. As a responsible Government, we endeavour to foster an equitable society, while giving special consideration to the integration and protection of the most vulnerable ones, she stated.
Furthermore, the Minister affirmed that the Government has strived to cater for continuous support to beneficiaries of social support despite the consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war, and pointed out that Budget 2022-23 which provides a range of social benefits is a testimony of Government’s concern for the welfare of the population.
Social security
Regarding the range social security benefits being offered, Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo underlined that it has been increased from Rs 13.9 billion in 2014 to Rs 46. 4 billion in 2022, out of which Rs 38 billion has been used for the disbursement of pensions.
She informed that 263 329 persons have benefited from the Basic Retirement Pension; 35 383 from the Basic Invalid Pension; 19 514 from the Basic Widow’s Pension; and 469 from the Basic Orphan’s Pension.
Besides, the Minister underlined that the Basic Widow Pension has been extended to Muslim widows who have had a religious marriage. She recalled that in order to benefit from this, the Ministry has allowed for the tardy registration of religious marriage during the period 01 January 1982 – 13 November 1987 and 01 January 1990 – 31 August 2022 before the Muslim Family Council, up to 31 December 2022.
Other social benefits were provided as follows:
A Disability Allowance of Rs 2 500 was earmarked for people with a disability of 40 to 59%;
A total number of 10 098 beneficiaries have obtained assistive devices, for which an amount of Rs 30.8 million was allocated;
13 624 beneficiaries have obtained different types of social aid, for which a budget of Rs 711.9 million was earmarked;
22 charitable institutions have benefited from a financial assistance of Rs 94.4 million; and
A new Diaper allowance of Rs 1 800 per resident in charitable institutions, have been catered for.
Moreover, Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo added that her Ministry has scaled up efforts to increase interventions in reported cases of abuse on elderly persons and to provide required assistance and protection through the elaboration of the mobile App ‘Sekirite’.
Social integration division
The Minister of Social Integration further underpinned the firm intent of the Government to address poverty in all its forms through structured and concrete action with the help of the Marshall Plan. She emphasised that different types of support including financial, educational, training, and accommodation are provided to struggling members of the population, with the aim of empowering them for their social integration and to be financially independent.
She indicated that a total number of 6 245 families are registered on the Social Registry of Mauritius.
The major social assistance offered to beneficiaries as underlined by Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo are namely:
An amount of Rs 214.8 million has been disbursed as Subsistence Allowance to 850 families;
Rs 50 million has been allocated for the provision of social housing facilities. 40 houses have been delivered under the Social housing Fully Concrete Housing Scheme; 40 houses have been delivered to beneficiaries under the National Housing Development Co Ltd Housing Scheme while 95 houses have already purchased by the National Empowerment Foundation, and will be delivered to beneficiaries;
New measures for year 2022/2023 include the non-consideration of Invalid pension during SRM eligibility calculation and the extension of the Social contract for a period of 2 years instead of 1 year;
The National Database for Vulnerable Groups has also been set up, with the Eligibility criteria of family income between Rs 10 500 to Rs 14 000. 1 572 beneficiaries have been registered to date; and
A financial assistance of a total amount of Rs 663.3 million has been allocated to 271 Non-Governmental Organisations under the National Social Inclusion Foundation.
The Minister also underscored her strong will to implement the Disability Bill, aiming at promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
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