Social security welfare: Restoring dignity for senior citizens (Part II)

Dear Editor,

IN the last 10 years, there are a number of reforms which have been initiated and implemented by the Patriotic Front (PF) government in enhancing social security among the citizenry who have lost their income generating activities.

It was noted that so far, the sustainable pension scheme, the Social Cash Transfer and the Food Security Pack are among the initiatives that are in place to ensure there is predictability and sustainable social security.

In the near foreseeable future, the government will embark on a number of pension schemes that are flexible and the pension savings will be regarded as the intangible asset.

This means a prospective pensioner whilst in their prime ages will have the option to pledge their pension benefit as a security and acquire loans for them to venture in various businesses while using their accrued benefits as a guarantee.

As regards the senior citizens, the government will introduce more incentives aimed at recognising and appreciating their long existence.

Therefore, in the Ministry of Community Development, the government will introduce the Senior Citizens Affairs which will in conjunction work with other government departments and stakeholders in ensuring that senior citizens are given the preferential treatment.

The government will also increase the social cash transfer allocation to senior citizens to enable them have a dignified standard of living and access to essential services.