In order to eliminate poverty and improve the quality of life of citizens, the government has widened the social safety net.
The government is aiming to bring more of the marginalised and vulnerable population under protection. Social safety net programmes in the country have been contributing to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability by addressing a range of population groups through different forms of assistance.
These include the provision of income security for the elderly, widows and persons-with-disabilities, generating temporary employment for working age men and women, and supporting the healthy development of young mothers and children.
The government has increased the state honorarium for the valiant freedom fighters. The number of recipients of allowances for widows and victims of domestic violence has increased. The number of beneficiaries of allowances for all insolvent persons with disabilities has also been increased.
Similarly, recipients of stipends for disabled students have increased. To bring all third gender people under the net, the number of beneficiaries of Third Gender Livelihood Development programmes is to be increased as well.
The government’s initiative to
improve the lives of disadvantaged
people and provide them with an
income is a laudable one
The safety net will also provide for those suffering from terminal illnesses among others. Other neglected sectors of society are those who are unemployed either voluntarily or due to lack of employment opportunities. Housewives fall under this category, as well as various skilled and unskilled unemployed people in the country.
The government’s initiative to improve the lives of disadvantaged people and provide them with an income is a laudable one. However, the authorities concerned must be vigilant in the distribution of funds and resources. Corruption and misplacement of funds is a common problem in the country and the authorities must take all necessary steps to ensure that it does not happen anymore.
The government must keep the vulnerable segments of society in mind when enforcing pension plans and provide financial support, including unemployment benefits to those who need it the most.
