SMS Mobile project to improve communication between SRM beneficiaries and authorities

In his address, Minister Wong underlined that the SMS Mobile project is in line with the objectives of the Marshall Plan Against Poverty in helping the social integration and empowerment of the vulnerable groups within the Mauritian society. The project essentially aims at ensuring a more efficient and quick method of communication between the authorities and beneficiaries of the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM), for optimum service delivery, he stated.

The Minister also underscored the importance of embracing technology, and dwelt on the benefits of using the internet for universal access to information. Government, he said, is determined to ensure that the population is connected to the internet and is inclined to digitalise its services.  The project, he indicated, has obtained the approval of the State Law office and is being executed according to the regulations of the Data Protection Act 2017.

According to the Minister, this new system will also enable mutual sharing of information between the 8,643 SRM beneficiaries and the Ministry along with the NEF.  This will hence allow the authorities to assess the quality of services being provided, he indicated.  

Moreover, Mr Wong reiterated the core objective of the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment which is to lay the foundation for the social progress and enhancement of the life chances of poor families as well as widen the circle of opportunities. He further dwelt on some key measures geared towards this objective that are being implemented by the Ministry, namely: various housing schemes offering decent housing to SRM beneficiaries; assistance to SRM beneficiaries who are owners of plot of land for the construction of their housing units; and, training and provision of kits to boost employability. 

Government’s relentless effort to promote the well-being of the population and in particular the culture of sports was highlighted by Minister Wong. Discipline, sacrifice and determination are key values that should be nurtured to achieve success in any spheres of life, he emphasised.  He also spoke about the Indian Ocean Islands Games 2019 recently hosted in Mauritius and which, according to him, rallied the nation into a strong spirit of brotherhood set to bind the generations to come.