Dear Editor,
The announcement by President Irfaan Ali to provide a one-off cash grant of $28,000 to Old Age pensioners is a welcome move and an indication of the Government’s commitment to the elderly and the more vulnerable segments of the population. This is indeed a welcome gesture which, when taken together with other relief measures such as free potable water to pensioners, removal of VAT on water and electricity and improved health care delivery will go a far way in terms of enhancing the quality of life of our senior citizens. There are not many countries in the world where non-contributory pensions are payable to senior citizens. Moreover, the means test had been abolished and pensions are paid across the board regardless of income levels.
There was a time when the pension payable could hardly buy a loaf of bread, not to mention some cheese to go with it. Today it is much more substantial and pensioners are in a much better position to cope with the demands of daily life. In addition, it is much less cumbersome for pensioners to access payments. The indignity of long lines at Post Offices and pensioners having to line up early in the mornings out of fear that money will run out is gradually becoming a thing of the past. It is said that a society is judged by the way it treats with its children and the elderly. The PPP/C administration is doing a commendable job in this regard.
Sincerely,
Hydar Ally
