Groups that were previously marginalized in society will be kept in "the middle of the radar" as a top priority for the current administration, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said last night.
Speaking at a ceremony held to inaugurate a center called 'Isravvehinge Naadhee' to provide numerous services for senior citizens, the President said persons with disabilities and other such groups were previously off the government's radar, characterizing such groups as marginalized despite expenditure and resources provided from the state budget.
"God willing, it is our intention to govern while mainstreaming and placing in the middle of the radar those who have been marginalized in various matters," the President said.
Prioritizing marginalized groups including senior citizens was also part of the mandate of the Social and Family Development Ministry, he said. The center for senior citizens that opened yesterday was developed by the ministry.
Foundations have been laid for the purpose as pledged in the government's first 100-day roadmap, he said.
Special centers for persons with disabilities were also neglected in the past with very low amounts spent from the government's budget, he said.
"However, we have decided to change that as well and started work," the President said.
The work was necessary in order to progress with a unique national identity, he said.
In his remarks, the President also pledged to submit a bill to Parliament to ensure housing for marginalized groups through government housing schemes.
"When various categories and conditions are determined in projects carried out to build housing, we will give the focus required for all these marginalized groups that I mentioned. We have decided to introduce a special bill for this and it will be sent to the Majlis, a bill that determines various categories of housing," he said.
