The Prime Minister was the guest this Monday at a lunch hosted by the local authority for senior citizens. In front of an audience made up mostly of pensioners, Pravind Jugnauth listed the number of projects his government has carried out since 2014 to improve the quality of life of pensioners. He added that he would continue to work in this direction and stated that if Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger came to power, the old-age pension could be revised downwards. « It would be desastrous. But if they come to power, you can be sure the pension will decrease », said Pravind Jugnauth. The lunch was held at the Moka District Council headquarters.
The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Member of the National Assembly, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, and the Chairperson of the District Council of Moka, Mr Sudhirchandra Soonarane, graced the lunch with their presence.
Prime Minister recalled that Government is striving towards enhancing the quality of life of each citizen adding that in the health sector, massive investments are being made for the construction of new specialised hospitals and the upgrading of care for the elderly.
He also mentioned that the Basic Retirement Pension has witnessed an increase from Rs 5 000 in 2014 to Rs 11 000 in 2023. Furthermore, he stated that in line with Government’s vision to cater for the needy and vulnerable citizens, financial assistance of Social Aid for the purchase of spectacles, wheelchairs, dentures and hearing aids has been increased.
Speaking about the increase in flu cases, Mr Jugnauth appealed to the elderly to be inoculated with the anti-flu vaccine. As regards COVID-19, he warned that there is a surge of new cases and urged senior citizens to protect themselves and to get the vaccine which will offer them a high level of protection against the virus. He also dwelt on the benefits of practising regular physical activity to remain in good health.
The Prime Minister also spoke about cases of abuse against the elderly and exhorted them to call on the Hotline 172 or 199 to get help. He recalled that an app called ‘Sekirite’ has also been launched to enable those who are victims of abuse to get help as soon as possible.
As regards leisure activities, Mr Jugnauth recalled that the elderly can spend quality time at Recreational Centres across the country. He pointed out that the last one to be inaugurated was at Riambel and recalled that the other Centres are being renovated. He said that as from next year, all the Centres will be fully operational.
Addressing the senior citizens, he urged them to transmit their cultural, moral and religious values to the young generation so that the latter follow the right path and become good citizens.
For her part, Vice-Prime Minister Dookun-Luchoomun observed that Government is investing massively in the welfare of the population so that all citizens can lead a decent life. She reminded that a monthly Child Allowance of Rs 2 000 is being paid by Government to children aged up to three years.
Furthermore, she highlighted that as a caring Government, school books, transport and education are free adding that a one-off allowance of Rs 20 000 is being paid by the Government to eligible youths who have attained the age of 18 years on or after 01 January 2023. These initiatives, she underpinned, aim to enhance the quality of lives of the population.
As for Mr Sawmynaden, he rejoiced that Government is working towards modernising the country as well as contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
