Government to review support and legislation for persons with disabilities aged 20 and above

The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, in collaboration with the National Social Inclusion Foundation (NSIF), held a symposium, today, at The Docks in Port Louis, on the theme ‘What national policy for persons with disabilities aged 20 and above?’. The objective was to gather views and proposals to address challenges faced by day care facilities and other critical issues affecting persons with disabilities in this age group.

Several representatives of non-governmental organisations were present to discuss and share their perspectives with Officers of the Ministry and the NSIF in the presence of the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron, and the Junior Minister at the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen.

In his intervention, the Minister recalled that while multiple initiatives exist for persons with disabilities under the age of 20, gaps remain in support for those above 20 years. He acknowledged the progress made over the years, but underscored the need to strengthen services and opportunities for this group.

The Minister thus reiterated the human rights-based approach adopted by the Government, underlining that an inclusive society must ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard, respected, and incorporated into decision-making processes. According to Mr Subron, the suggestions and ideas shared by participants will not only inform the organisation of day care facilities for persons with disabilities aged 20 and above, but also the development of relevant legislation, implementation of support measures, and allocation of resources.

Moreover, the Minister provided an update on Phase 1 of the Disability Pension Reform Project, which will introduce a more comprehensive, graduated system for defining disability, taking into account functional capacity. He informed that medical guidelines have already been reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, adding that the next step is to secure financing from the Ministry of Finance to implement the first phase and to include a living allowance, where applicable. Mr Subron further indicated that the Ministry is seeking approval to extend domiciliary visits to persons aged 85 and above.

For his part, the Junior Minister highlighted the necessity to change societal perceptions and attitudes towards persons with disabilities, by raising awareness so that the public better understands their realities. He talked of the need to have detailed statistics and metrics to back up and guide effective policy decisions.

Mr Parapen also dwelt on the importance of establishing a comprehensive ecosystem for persons with disabilities aged 20 and above, and the imperative to promote independence, autonomy, and financial stability for persons with disabilities whenever possible.

He further spoke on The Constitutional Review Commission Bill, introduced last Tuesday into the National Assembly, which will pave the way for the appointment of a Constitutional Review Commission to be responsible to examine and make recommendations on constitutional reforms, including the protection against discrimination against people with disabilities.

21 May 2026

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Topics: Social Security, Statistics Mauritius, Pensions, NGOs