MVR 10M in financial aid deposited to 700 deceased individuals

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA)’s CEO Aminath Shirna has revealed that over MVR 10 million was deposited into the accounts of over 700 deceased individuals due to failures in updating registry records.

Speaking on a program aired by the state media, Shirna said the discrepancy was uncovered during ongoing efforts to ensure that social welfare assistance is distributed to its intended beneficiaries. She described the payments as a significant financial loss to the state.

According to Shirna, the issue largely stemmed from the dissolution of the NSPA's monitoring section in 2020. She explained that the department shutdown brought oversight activities to a halt, resulting in the halt of the monthly verification and record-updating process.

"This is a substantial loss. We are currently working to reinstate the functions of that section and further strengthen our systems," Shirna remarked.

With approximately 15,000 individuals currently registered with the NSPA, Shirna said the agency is now prioritizing efforts to ensure that welfare benefits, including living condition subsidies and financial assistance, are provided only to those who meet the eligibility requirements.

She added that restoring the agency's previous monitoring mechanisms remains a key priority in order to prevent the misuse of state funds and reduce unnecessary public expenditure.