GOOD news for senior citizens as they will be getting an increase in monthly allowance following the 2023-2024 National Budget.
Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad confirmed this while holding public consultations in Vanua Levu.
This, he said, they deserved it because they had contributed to nation-building during their years of employment.
He told communities on Vanua Levu that it was every individual’s duty to look after our senior citizens.
“We are going to increase social welfare allowance and by doing this we are respecting our senior citizens,” Mr Prasad said.
“There will be an increase and we feel a lot of people are struggling, coming out of COVID, loss of income, and increase of food prices so as soon as we came in, we identified $53 million and gave $200 assistance for each student in primary and secondary schools.
“That was the best time for that money to be used by parents and was very timely too as it assisted many with their back-to-school preparation.
“That money didn’t end up in nightclubs so as Government spends, we want to do so in an effective manner and in a manner in which we can get value for money.”
Mr Prasad said Government would cut down on wastage and increase income from identified sources.
