The Government is allocating the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection a budget of around $200 million.
Minister for Finance Biman Prasad said this was to continue the increased social welfare allowances for around 104,000 beneficiaries under the family assistance scheme, social pension scheme, care and protection allowance, disability allowance, rural pregnant mother food allowance and transport assistance scheme.
Prof Prasad said they were restructuring the transport assistance scheme for elderlies and people with disabilities.
“Currently, a monthly $25 bus fare allowance is provided to around 48,000 beneficiaries,” he said.
However, he said many of the elderly and people with disabilities either do not have access to bus services or are unfortunately not able to use bus services given their physical conditions.
“To bring greater flexibility and help our people with disabilities and the elderly, effective from 1st August 2024, we will convert the bus fare allowance into a cash allowance of $25 per month.”
He said all social pensioners above the age of 70 years and those on disability allowance will now receive a $25 per month cash allowance instead of the current bus card top-up.
