President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has pledged to increase the monthly allowance of elderly citizens to MVR 7,000. He made the pledge on Thursday evening, September 21.
Elderly citizens currently receive a monthly allowance of MVR 5,000.
President Solih made the pledges after opening the 'Huvadhoo' hub of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Speaking at the rally, president Solih pledged to increase the voluntary retirement age from 65 to 70.
He also said that the current retirement age has led to complaints by several individuals in technical and skilled fields.
While the voluntary retirement age will be increased to 70, individuals who wish to retire earlier can retire after 65 years of age.
President Solih also said that efforts are in underway to raise the monthly allowance for elderly citizens, a commitment he initially made in June.
"God willing, we will see a positive change [in the monthly allowance of elderly citizens]," president Solih said.
Although the president did not share details, he said that the policy regarding the increase in the monthly allowance for elderly citizens will be incorporated into his second-term manifesto.
Monthly allowances for elderly citizens were initially introduced during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed, starting at MVR 2,000 per month.
The allowance was then increased to MVR 5,000 during former president Abdulla Yameen's administration.
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