Farmers who have a source of income are not covered under the Social Pension Scheme, however criteria is being looked at - Fatiaki

The Director for Social Welfare, Rupeni Fatiaki says those farmers who have a source of income are not covered under the Social Pension Scheme however they are now re-looking at the criteria.

He revealed this while responding to a question posed by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Alvick Maharaj.

Maharaj had asked whether a farmer who is not receiving any pension, had never paid any FNPF contribution and has been a farmer throughout his life can be covered under the Social Pension Scheme.

In response, Fatiaki had stated that these farmers are currently not covered under the scheme if they have a source of income.

Maharaj then asked the Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Jennifer Poole to confirm whether this is the policy as it seems to be contradicting what their common understanding is.

Maharaj says the baseline is that any person who is not getting FNPF is entitled to this scheme provided they have not withdrawn a lump sum at the age of retirement.

While responding to the question, Fatiaki says these issues have been raised and they are currently working on it and it does not only involve farmers.

He says they are now looking at new issues that are being raised in relation this scheme.