Nineteen thousand recipients currently assisted under the Family Assistance Program will not be terminated from the welfare program as claimed in a statement by Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry.
This is according to Social Welfare Minister Dr. Jiko Luveni whose comment follows a statement by Chaudhry who condemned the decision to cut off most of the 19,000 recipients under the Ministry's Family Assistance Scheme.
Dr. Jiko Luveni said this is inaccurate and misleading as this is not happening.
She has clarified that these recipients will be re-certified under the new Poverty Benefit Scheme.
Luveni said during this process those whose economic conditions have improved over the years and are now capable of financially supporting their families will be graduated from the program and will be re-programmed for those who need it the most.
The Poverty Benefit Scheme with total budget of $22.6 million is expected to assist approximately 13,000 households with a maximum payment of $150 per month and part of this amount consists of $30 food voucher.
Dr. Luveni said that Chaudhry playing on the fears of those who depend on social welfare schemes, for political gain, is irresponsible and unbecoming of a public figure.
However Chaudhry maintains that people are being cut off the list.
Under the Family Assistance Program, assistance was limited to three categories including the elderly over the age of 65 years, the chronically ill and the disabled.
However the Poverty Benefit scheme eliminates the categories and allows benefits to be directed at the most needy households.
The Poverty Benefit Scheme includes the Welfare Graduation Scheme where the head of the family signs a contract to actively look for income generating and vocational training opportunities.
Story by: Praneeta Prakash
