Over MVR 10 million paid to accounts of deceased beneficiaries, says NSPA
She said the agency is now working to restore the monitoring section and strengthen its oversight to ensure assistance reaches those entitled to receive it.
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More than MVR 10 million in social assistance payments was deposited into the bank accounts of over 700 deceased individuals because beneficiary records were not updated, according to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).
Speaking in an interview with PSM on Tuesday night, NSPA Chief Executive Officer Aminath Shiruna said the agency is reviewing its social assistance programmes to ensure benefits are paid only to eligible recipients.
Shiruna said the agency's monitoring section was dissolved six years ago, bringing to a halt key functions such as updating beneficiary records.
She said one of the main consequences was that payments continued to be made to the bank accounts of people who had died.
According to Shiruna, the issue resulted in a financial loss to the state.
She said the agency is now working to restore the monitoring section and strengthen its oversight to ensure assistance reaches those entitled to receive it.
The monitoring section is responsible for overseeing several categories of beneficiaries, including residents of the Centre for People with Special Needs in K. Guraidhoo, single parents and individuals listed on the national poverty registry.
Its responsibilities also include monitoring changes in beneficiaries' circumstances and maintaining up-to-date records to ensure the accuracy of social assistance payments.
