Aasandha, state allowances shouldn't benefit wealthy: MP Saleem

Eydhafushi MP and businessman Ahmed Saleem has said that the government should limit welfare benefits such as the Aasandha national health insurance scheme and other state allowances to low-income citizens.

Speaking during Wednesday’s parliamentary debate on the proposed 2026 state budget, Saleem said the government continues efforts to reduce public expenditure but noted that certain essential services cannot be stopped.

He stated that withdrawing programmes such as Aasandha and NSPA assistance would harm ordinary citizens.

“In fact, Aasandha and these services should not be provided to the rich. They should be provided to the poor. No matter how wealthy we are in this country, those benefits must go to those who need them,” Saleem said.

He added that wealthier individuals continue to benefit from allowances, including the MVR 5,000 paid to all citizens above 65 years of age. “Even a rich businessman receives that MVR 5,000. Such things should be stopped,” he said.

Referring to Islamic principles, Saleem said: “According to the Qur’an and Sunnah, zakat is collected from the rich. It should not be given back to the rich; it should go to the poor.”

Saleem said that if zakat is properly collected, it would be sufficient to meet the needs of low-income citizens. He urged the government to increase efforts to collect more from high-income earners through taxes and zakat.

This year’s budget included a proposed “health contribution” to the Aasandha scheme for individuals earning more than MVR 60,000 per month, but the measure has not yet been implemented.