Criteria for issue of welfare cards to focus on the elderly
The Finance Ministry is considering revising the criteria for issue of state welfare cards to the poor with focus on taking care of elderly citizens.
Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana made the remarks in response to reports that some peoole were using the card to buy alcohollic beverages.
He, however, clarified that people who misused the card to buy alcoholic drinks were just a small group.
He said the ministry might revise the criteria for allotting the card and the products they can buy with the card to ensure they catered to the needs of the poor and the elderly.
