Vice President Faisal Naseem has revealed that the government plans to redefine social protection in the near future via the new National Social Protection Framework. He made these remarks at the launching of the National Consultation on Readiness to Implement Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection in the Maldives.
At the event, Vice President Naseem stressed the importance of strengthening the social protection system in the Maldives and revealed that the government plans to redefine social protection via the new National Social Protection Framework and divide it into social insurance schemes and social assistance programmes. He said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration oversaw major progress in strengthening the social protection system, with the launch of the new registry portal, by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) for people with disabilities. He added that the new registry followed the classification of disabilities according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
Additionally, Vice President Naseem noted that the Maldives implemented universal cash transfers as well as allowances for therapeutic items and assistive technology for people with disabilities. He went on to say that the administration has achieved significant progress in its ongoing efforts to ensure access to social protection for all. In this regard, he emphasised that the implementation of allowances for single mothers, the provision of subsidising utilities for vulnerable individuals and those living below the poverty line, and pension plans have all positively affected the lives of thousands around the nation.
Furthermore, Vice President Naseem highlighted the importance of working collectively to better the lives of the people and said that the Maldives has always been an ardent supporter of the Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection. The action plan provides a shared vision, strategy, and platform for more inclusive and extensive social protection systems.