Around 50 percent of the government’s subsidy allocation for this year has already been spent, according to the Finance Ministry.

The ministry said MVR 1.4 billion has been disbursed so far, an increase of about MVR 400 million compared with the same period last year.

A total of MVR 2.8 billion has been allocated for subsidies in the current state budget, covering support across multiple sectors.

The largest components include fuel subsidies, transport subsidies, and waste and sewerage services.

The budget also sets aside MVR 1 billion for other subsidy categories, a significant increase from MVR 246 million spent under the same heading last year.

In addition to general subsidies, MVR 629 million has been spent under the Aasandha health insurance scheme, while MVR 77 million has been used for medical expenses through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

Spending on Aasandha is reportedly MVR 87 million lower than the same period last year.

Overall, the state budget allocates MVR 10.6 billion for subsidies and other government grants, of which MVR 3.9 billion has been spent to date.