Social welfare assistance under reform

Fiji’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Women, and Poverty Alleviation advise that they are not in a position to make comments on each of the social welfare cases raised before the Constitution Commission.

But recipients are advised to seek redress through their district and divisional offices.

The ministry has advised that it is currently working on a reform agenda to streamline social welfare programs in Fiji.
 
Permanent secretary Govind Sami has confirmed that the reform agenda is emanating from the review of social welfare programs by the World Bank Social Protection team in 2010.

Sami said the reform agenda will eliminate the vulnerability “categories” (such as elderly, disabled and chronically ill) as a filter of eligibility and allow poverty benefit directed at the poor.

He said they are looking at making the Family Assistance Program benefits open to all extreme poor individuals, subject to assessment of the welfare status

He added final changes are being factored in and the new form is more transparent with clear definition and assessment processes.

The two major programs administered under social welfare assistance are Family Assistance Program (FAP) and Care and Protection Program (C&P).

By Ropate Valemei