Government assisting 86,715 people under their social protection schemes

The Fijian Government is currently assisting 86,715 people under their four major social protection schemes.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the Poverty Benefit Scheme assists more than 22,000 families, the Care and Protection allowance helps more than 8,700 people with children, the Social Pension Scheme assists more than 46,059 older persons while the Disability Allowance helps nearly 10,000 people who live with disabilities.

Bainimarama says this is money well spent and it is money that goes back into the economy as these people buy the things they need.

He says the elderly and persons with disabilities also have a greater ability to move about the country thanks to the Bus Fare Scheme which benefits 40,000 people.

The Prime Minister says the point is we cannot have a true democracy and a modern economy if we do not use the power of government to help the neediest among us.

He says the Fijian Government provides $112.5 Million for implementing programs targeted at assisting children, persons with disabilities, older persons, families and agencies that complement the work of the Ministry.