Minister of Gender, Family, and Social Services, Shidhatha Shareef has on Saturday met with panhandlers in capital city Malé.  

The ministry announced this through a tweet, which says that said people had shared their concerns with Minister Shidhatha.

The tweet says that the ministry intends to find a permanent solution to their problems, and Minister Shidhatha said after meeting them that she has better understanding of their concerns.

Minister Shidhatha said that several of them said they would like to be employed but have trouble finding work.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Shidhatha said that there needs to be more awareness over social services provided by the government.

Shidhatha also said that all government ministries will work towards ensuring that their concerns are adequately addressed.