President Mohamed Nasheed has said the 2012 budget, as passed by the People’s Majlis, will enable the government to carry out an adequate number of its undertakings, and that it will speed up various government projects in the country.
Speaking in his weekly radio address delivered this morning, the President expressed his hopes that, starting 1 January 2012, the whole population of the country will be covered under the new Universal Health Insurance scheme. He also revealed that the government was currently in the process of setting procedural standards for the inclusion of Health Clinics in the health insurance system.
President Nasheed shared his optimism about achieving better social security, providing better water and sewerage systems, enhancing harbour development, and other infrastructural development projects, with the new budget. In his radio address, the President also noted that 2012 is set to become a duty-free year.
Noting that beneficiaries will start occupying the government housing units in 2012, President Nasheed said that it was proof of the fulfillment of the government’s pledge to provide affordable housing for the people.
Reflecting on the year 2011, the President highlighted that the rate of growth in national production had increased a great deal, saying that the government was able to recover the deficit of less than 10%. Further, the President reiterated that the government continues to put in every effort in using the people’s wealth for common good.