The government has increased the allowance given to single mothers and fathers living in poverty who are raising children alone, amending the NSPA regulations to pay 3,000 rufiyaa per child for up to four children, gazetted today.

Previously, this allowance paid 1,000 rufiyaa per child per month, with a maximum of 10,000 rufiyaa. Under the amendment, for children beyond the fourth child, 1,000 rufiyaa per child will be paid. The maximum limit for this allowance is 15,000 rufiyaa per month and 180,000 rufiyaa per year.

Another important change in the amendment, which takes effect from January, is that payments can be deposited into bank accounts other than those in the applicant’s name, if requested.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the increase in allowances for single parents in October. Next year’s budget includes 211 million rufiyaa for increasing this allowance, with 5,878 people eligible to receive it.