Government begins distribution of MVR 5000 social protection allowance to elderly

President’s Office has revealed that the government has started distribution of the monthly MVR 5000 in social protection allowance to persons above the age of 65.

Spokesperson at the President’s Office Ibrahim Muaz Ali said this month’s MVR 5000 has been deposited to the accounts of the eligible persons today.

The commencement of the distribution of MVR 5000 in social protection allowance to the elderly, a presidential election pledge made by ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), comes 106 days after President Yameen assumed office.

A law was introduced during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s presidency to provide MVR 2000 to persons above the age of 65. The amount was later revised to MVR 2300.

The provision of MVR 5000 to the elderly has not been included in the State Budget 2014.

Vice Chairperson of Economic Council, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb said President Yameen mentioned in his pledge, that this allowance would not be provided from the State Budget.

He said that about MVR 400 million had been allocated in the budget for the provision of MVR 2300 to the elderly, and this amount will be increased through ‘a financial instrument’ to facilitate the provision of MVR 5000.