Government to increase disability allowance later this year

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has disclosed the government’s plans to increase the allowance issued to persons with disabilities.

President Solih disclosed the decision whilst delivering the annual presidential address at the opening sitting of the Parliament for the year 2022. He stressed that viewing someone differently or mistreating someone based on their disability is a bigger disability.

“Having a physical or mental disability does not mean that there is anything wrong with you. Viewing someone differently or mistreating someone because they have a mental or physical disability is a bigger disability,” he had said.

Noting that no national registry with the total number of disabled people and other relevant data have been formulated at present – President Solih revealed that the government was currently developing a national registry for this purpose.

“This registry will be used to provide essential services, rehabilitation and therapy for people with disabilities,” he added.

President Solih said the registry is expected to be completed in the final quarter of this year. He also announced that once the registry is complete, the allowance given to persons with disabilities will be increased as well.

“Once this registry is completed in the final quarter of the year, I have decided to increase the allowance given to people with disabilities. In the nation’s eye, every Maldivian is capable and equal,” he had said.

In last December, a petition was submitted to the President’s Office urging to increase the allowance issues to persons with disabilities. The petition which was signed by over 7,000 people urged the government to increase the allowance to at least MVR 5,000.