Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-03-16 13:00:32
The adjustment of the Basic Retirement Pension scale from Rs 13,500 for 60 to 64-year-olds to Rs 28,710 for centenarians affects an average of one in four voters. The Social Security budget exceeds Rs 50 billion for the current financial year. The next expected announcement should focus on revising salary relativity compared to the Minimum Wage in effect since the beginning of this year.
The countdown to the upcoming legislative elections is now irreversible. Minister of Social Integration and Social Security, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo, explained the new scale for the revision of the Basic Retirement Pension (BRP) based on the Rs 13,500 figure announced since October 1, 2019. Technically, one in four voters registered with the Electoral Commission is affected by this measure. The next expected announcement is anticipated from the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Soodesh Callichurn, who will make public the recommendations of the Monthly Minimum Wage Council regarding salary relativity, which has become essential with the Minimum Wage in effect. This announcement is scheduled for this month.
Announcing the new pension scale:
– Rs 13,500 for 60-64-year-olds, benefiting 82,692 individuals
– Rs 14,500 for 65-75-year-olds, with 123,135 beneficiaries
– Rs 16,000 for 75-89-year-olds, benefiting 54,818
– Rs 23,710 for 90-99-year-olds, with 4,422 recipients
– Rs 28,710 for centenarians, totaling 178 individuals according to the latest count.
Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo emphasizes that the new retirement program represents a significant step for considering individuals aged 60 and over. This new scale will come into effect from April next year. Since 2014, the government has been making significant efforts to increase social benefits for vulnerable segments of the population, including the disabled, orphans, widows, and the elderly. Balancing economic development with social protection is crucial, as a well-functioning country must give equal priority to both aspects.
Furthermore, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo highlights that government initiatives aim to honor the contributions of the elderly to the country’s development and ensure their well-being. Widows and orphans now have the right to a monthly pension of Rs 13,500, a proactive step towards social support. With the new scale, the ministry’s budget will exceed the Rs 50 billion mark, reaching Rs 51.1 billion for the current financial year.
Reactions:
– Radhakrishna Sadien, president of SOEF: “A relief for pensioners.”
“This increase in pension for various categories is a real relief. Pensioners, in particular, deserved this increase, considering the significant rise in the cost of living. Medication prices have seen substantial increases lately, and many elderly people who live alone sometimes need financial assistance. I’m not saying the increase is sufficient, but it is a real relief.”
– Reeaz Chuttoo, president of CTSP: “A very good measure.”
“The increase in pension is a very good measure. The CTSP has long requested that the pension be aligned with the minimum wage, representing food security. We know that those who live solely on the pension face countless difficulties in surviving, and that is why the CSG should be used to Top Up the pension, particularly for widows.”
– Narendranath Gopee (FCSOU): “Nothing new.”
“There is nothing new in what has just been announced. This measure rather has an electoral scent. He had promised to increase the pension in 2019. He then played with words. The big question now is where this money will come from when we know that the Consolidated Fund and the CSG have become one fund. The increase in pension will certainly weigh heavily on the Consolidated Fund. The government must explain where this money will come from to increase the pension.”
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
