President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of a new digital payment system meant to make pension payments much easier.
Addressing supporters gathered at a public meeting in Industry on Friday night, President Ali revealed that the government is finalising plans to introduce a digital payment card system for pensioners.
The initiative will allow pensioners to receive their monthly payments directly to their accounts, eliminating the need to visit post offices or banks.
“Our pensioners will soon stay in their homes, look at their digital cards, and enjoy seeing their money available in their accounts.
“This is about dignity, ease, and ensuring our seniors feel the development happening across the country,” President Ali said.
He also noted that digitisation will be extended to public assistance distribution, removing human biases and ensuring that all who qualify will receive support.
About $37 billion has been disbursed to some 76,000 pensioners this year alone. Additionally, $10 billion is being disbursed in public assistance grants.
In a broader effort to ease the cost of living, President Ali said citizens can expect a reduction in electricity costs by 50 percent.
Additionally, he said salaries have increased by more than 46% with the income tax threshold increasing from $65,000 to $130,000, and more than 60,000 citizens have been removed from the tax base.
Further, the President announced that a special transportation grant will soon be introduced for pensioners and children “so we can support their movement.”
He emphasised that the administration is not one that takes from the people but rather one that continues to give and build on what is given.
“We are not a party that takes away from the people. We give and give… we don’t take away—we sustain,” President Ali said.
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