MoF forms committee to review social safety net allowances

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has formed a 12-member inter-ministerial working committee to conduct periodic reviews of stipends and allowances under various government social safety net programmes.

According to a notice from the ministry, the committee will assist the cabinet committee or advisory council committee on social security in making informed decisions on whether to increase, decrease, or maintain current allowance levels.

The committee is headed by the additional secretary (budget and macroeconomics) of the finance ministry, who will serve as chairperson.

It is authorised to periodically review six major social security programmes, including the Old Age Allowance, Widow and Destitute Women Allowance, Livelihood Improvement for Underprivileged Communities, Disability Allowance, and Education Stipend under the Ministry of Social Welfare.

The committee will also review the Mother and Child Benefit Programme of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP) of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.