Malé, Maldives – A petitioned is being signed calling to increase the disability allowance from MVR 2,000 to MVR 5,000.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) currently provides an allowance of MVR 2000 for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the Disability Act (08/2010), clause numbers 14 and 33.
The main purpose of disability allowance is to protect and provide disabled citizens the same rights and opportunities as any other citizen.
NSPA
The petitioned signed via a google form to be presented to the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, reminds the President of his pledge to increase the disability allowance. The petition states that the MVR 2,000 disability allowance does not complement the living expenses and price of goods available in the country, resulting in the inability to necessities including access to shelter, food and clothing.
Further, the petition notes that people with disabilities also have familial responsibilities and some who wish to start families are unable to due to lack of access to jobs and means to financial independence, excluding them from society, barring people with disabilities from rights ensured by the Maldives legislature.
Thereby, the petitioners call on the government to provide an adequate amount as disability allowance as enforced by the Disability Act (08/2010).
