[Blog] Some Symbolic Measures to Bolster the Image of the Government
The Alliance for Change made numerous promises before the elections. Despite the challenging economic climate, as depicted in the State of the Economy report, it finds itself unable to fulfill many of these pledges. Nonetheless, there are certain actions that could be undertaken without placing a heavy burden on the national budget.
One such action is the promise not to discontinue the old age pension for individuals who reside abroad for more than six months. This is a straightforward administrative measure that can provide relief to many elderly people who visit their children and grandchildren around the world. Every Mauritian who has worked throughout their life deserves their pension regardless of where they live. Therefore, it’s a matter of entitlement. Currently, if someone returns from abroad after six months, they encounter a significant amount of bureaucracy to have their pension reinstated, which can take several months. Some individuals rely heavily on this allowance to make ends meet, and the prospect of being deprived of it for an extended period can be daunting.
Additionally, there is the issue of paying pensions on the first day of each month. The problem arises when this date falls on a public holiday or a weekend, leading to undue delays. Civil servants receive their salary three days before the end of the month, and this formula could be applied to pensioners as well. Moreover, the promise of making the old age pension non-taxable could be implemented without significant hassle or detriment to the exchequer.
For those wealthy individuals for whom the old age pension is merely symbolic, they could be invited to donate this amount to a government-established solidarity fund.
Another measure that could be implemented with relative ease is menstrual leave. Female workers could be allowed to choose one day each month to rest when they feel in a challenging physiological state. No medical certificate would be required, as all workers enter the workforce post-puberty, and those reaching menopause could continue to benefit since this life stage comes with its own complications.
Before the elections, there was a strong appeal from carers to increase their allowance, with the Alliance for Change promising to raise it to Rs 10,000. While an immediate increase may not be feasible, a staggered approach could be adopted. For instance, the allowance could be raised from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000, and carers could be encouraged to register with the MRA to benefit from an additional top-up allowance of Rs 3,000. It’s important to recognize that the population is aging rapidly, and an increasing number of elderly individuals will require caregivers. This work should be acknowledged, valued, and prioritized.
Lastly, the proposal to offer a trip to Rodrigues for elderly individuals at least once in their lifetime could also be adopted. Eligible individuals could register for this program on a first-come, first-served basis, similar to the process for reserving space in recreational centers. The Ministry of Social Security could maintain a database to prevent fraudulent activity. Two seats could be reserved on each Air Mauritius flight, and arrangements could be made with local guesthouses for accommodation. With approximately 270,000 elderly persons in Mauritius, this project would help boost tourism in Rodrigues, thereby reducing its reliance on grants from the mainland and allowing the government to recoup part of its expenses.
Implementing these measures would not only address practical needs but also help enhance the government’s image by demonstrating a commitment to social welfare and inclusivity.
