Benefits for People with Disabilities to be Increased in the Year

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday, in his annual address to Parliament, announced his decision to increase the disability allowance before the end of the year. This would be achieved with the formulation of a national registry of persons with disabilities, something that has been lacking till now.

Outlining his commitment to protect the rights of disabled persons, President Solih noted that the data collected through the national registry would pave the way to improve essential services, rehabilitation, and therapy provided to them. He went on to affirm his commitment to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed has said the national registry of those with disabilities would be compiled by July. Regarding this she said while the work on formulating the registry is in progress, relevant classification guidelines are also being formulated.

The government currently provides a monthly allowance of MVR 2,000 to those with disabilities. The disabled community has repeatedly requested the government to increase the allowance to MVR 5,000.

The minister said the president's vision is to increase the allowance and said discussions are ongoing on issuing an allowance to caretakers.

'They cannot go and become employed; they cannot do any work to earn money for their livelihood. They are much like full-time nurses. Therefore, we are discussing issuing care allowances to such people,' Minister Aishath said.

Dr. Aishath Mohamed said currently, 9,646 people are registered as people with special needs. Last year, MVR 233 million was spent on them, she noted, including MVR 20 million for therapeutic services for 335 people.