Government is moving to abolish allowance for citizens aged 65 and over under the guise of cost-cutting measures, with a relevant bill already submitted to Parliament: Shamheed
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for South Hulhumale', has criticized the government’s cost-cutting measures, alleging that they are being achieved by slashing funds allocated for public development and civil service salaries. Speaking at an MDP rally, Dr. Shamheed noted that a bill has already been submitted to Parliament to eliminate elderly pensions, urging the public to remain vigilant and critically evaluate the administration's current fiscal policies.
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumalé South constituency. | MDP Secretariat | MDP Secretariat
Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has stated that a bill has been submitted to Parliament to abolish the MVR 5,000 allowance currently provided to individuals aged 65 and over.
Speaking at a rally held at the MDP headquarters on Monday night, Shamheed stated that while the current administration claims to be working towards reducing expenditure, these cuts are not being made to the overall budget. Instead, he noted that the government is reducing spending by cutting funds essential for various public services and citizen needs.
Shamheed stated that this trend is also evident when looking at the 2025 budget.
An analysis of last year's budget reveals that the reductions in expenditure were primarily achieved by cutting 12.7 billion Rufiyaa earmarked for public development projects in the 2025 budget. Furthermore, savings were made from funds directly impacting the public, including 1.5 billion Rufiyaa allocated for salary increments. In total, approximately 8 billion Rufiyaa has vanished from the budget. The ultimate destination and utilization of these funds remain unaccounted for.Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' South constituency.
Shamheed stated that this is the only viable way to reduce costs. He further noted that reducing the frequency of elections would stall development in the islands, adding that halting such progress is a means of cutting expenditure for both the government and the public on development projects.
One prime example is a bill currently before Parliament. One of the MDP's proudest achievements was the introduction of a 2,000 Rufiyaa allowance for citizens over the age of 65, which has since been increased to 5,000 Rufiyaa. Today, legislation has been submitted to Parliament to eliminate this benefit. Yet, how many citizens are even aware that such a proposal has been tabled?Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' South constituency.
Shamheed stated that these are the measures the current administration has planned to reduce expenditures. He emphasized that the public must realize these cost-cutting efforts are being targeted at national development and the resources rightfully owed to the citizens.
