The Ministry of Social and Family Development has entered into discussions with the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) to explore a possible collaboration on the government’s plan for poverty reduction in the Maldives.
The Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham has met with senior MIB officials to discuss the possibilities of introducing a programme for underprivileged individuals and families in society.
Increasing income and creating employment opportunities, supporting access to essential services, providing assistance to small and medium enterprises and raising awareness on income generation and provision of resources were some of the matters discussed during the meeting, the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry, MIB said the programme will help improve the standard of living of the most underprivileged society and expressed its commitment to working closely with the government to transform the lives of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The incumbent government since taking office in November 2023, has launched several initiatives to reduce poverty and improve the lives of the economically underprivileged members of society.
The government has introduced fully funded scholarships through the Zakat Fund while offering government funded Hajj pilgrimage opportunities for the underprivileged.
This initiative aligns with a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his presidential campaign. On 18 August, 2023, while addressing the people of Mulaku, Meemu Atoll, President Muizzu pledged to send 1,000 impoverished individuals on the Hajj pilgrimage under government sponsorship during his first term. The first batch of 50 pilgrims was sent on the Hajj pilgrimage last year while another 50 will perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year.