60,000 people now under Poverty Benefit Scheme

The number of people assisted under the Poverty Benefit Scheme has gone up from 21,000 to nearly 60,000.

Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said they have achieved an increase in coverage and reach out of its programs to disadvantaged families and individuals in Fiji after reforming and streamlining the social welfare programs.

Dr Luveni said before the reform, monthly assistance was only provided to one member of the family and this was not enough to cater for some families.

She said after the reform, changes were made to meet the needs of the families whereby maximum of four members in a family are assisted through aa maximum allowance of $150 per month which includes the $30 food voucher.