MP for central-Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed has sought from the government to provide an allowance between 5,000 – 10,000 to every Maldivian citizen as relief amid the Covid-19 crisis.

During a debate on the motion submitted by the MP for central-Henveiru constituency and Majority Leader Ali Azim on March 30, seeking Majlis approval on the implementation of the government’s program to overcome the challenges facing businesses as well as families due to the precautionary measures being implemented by the government to contain and control the spread of coronavirus, during Wednesday’s Majlis sitting, the MP noted that work is not carried out under the recommendations of financial institutes.

According to these institutes, the highest priority must be accorded to the security and safety of the people, said Rasheed.

The next thing to consider would be to improve the livelihoods of the citizens. Work to rebuild the country’s economy must come after this is ensured, he said, adding that an economic recovery tax should be introduced after the current situation simmers down.

Further, he added that the state’s expenses in providing these allowances can be recovered through this tax, later.

The government has introduced an economic stimulus package of MVR 2.5 billion in order to help businesses and citizens overcome the Covid-19 crisis. Under this package, employees who have been terminated or put on no pay leave will be provided a MVR 5,000 allowance every month for a period of three months.