Gap Grows As Only 31,000 Receive Help Despite 101,000 Living In Poverty

The Mauritian government has admitted to a “major gap” in its social support system, revealing that while 101,000 people are currently living below the poverty line, only 31,000 are receiving state assistance.

The startling discrepancy has prompted an urgent review of the national poverty threshold.

Speaking at a consultation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at the Port Louis Docks on Thursday, 26 February, the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Ashok Subron, labelled the revision of these figures a priority.

A New Strategy for Support

To bridge this gap, the government is developing a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

This tool is designed to move beyond simple income metrics and adapt to modern Mauritian realities, allowing authorities to identify vulnerable individuals and regions with greater precision.

“This will be a strategic tool to guide public policy and target resources where they are most needed,” Minister Subron stated.

He argued that the new approach would not only improve how poverty is measured but also bolster the state’s ability to intervene effectively.

The Current Crisis in Numbers

The Minister highlighted a growing divide between wealth accumulation and social vulnerability in the country. Currently, the poverty threshold is strictly defined by monthly income:

• Families: Earning less than MUR 14,500
• Adults: Earning less than MUR 3,500

Despite the current shortcomings, Mr Subron defended the country’s history of large-scale social transfers.

He noted that without existing mechanisms, the poverty rate would have soared to 36.4%.

However, he acknowledged that with two-thirds of the impoverished population currently uncovered, the system requires a profound overhaul.

Collaborative Reform

The meeting, which also included Junior Minister Kugan Parapen, follows an initial session held last October on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

The government intends to continue this series of dialogues with civil society and the voluntary sector to finalise the MPI’s methodology.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that social programmes reach the 70,000 people currently left behind by the existing framework.

Source: Defi Media