Ministry of Islamic Affairs has begun preparations to provide business opportunities for individuals in the national register of the poor and needy.
The agreement to conduct the programme, Zakat Nafaa, was signed in February by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir and Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail. The programme aims to provide socioeconomic opportunities to underprivileged individuals with funding from the Zakat Fund.
The Islamic ministry stated that it will open the opportunity to apply for the programme once amendments are made to its policies. The five-year programme is exclusive to individuals in the register of the poor and needy. The chosen applicants will be provided with financial assistance to pursue business initiatives to allow them to support themselves and benefit from national economic development.
The Islamic ministry stated that financial assistance will be provided to applicants who propose initiatives that contribute to national development or increase business opportunities. The first phase of the programme will be conducted from 2021-2022 and will include home-based businesses, poultry farming, hydroponics, and fishing. It also includes on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities.
The list of the poor and needy currently consists of 8,984 people, while 42 islands have no residents who are registered as poor.