Government: Direct social aid platform ready, first distribution to start late December

The Government approved three proposed decrees related to the direct social aid system today in a government council session.

The decrees relate to the direct social aid system, the threshold for eligibility to benefit from this aid and the establishment of the National Agency for Social Aid.

These decrees were presented by Faouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of the budget.

The first decree focuses on the implementation of the provisions of Law No. 58.23 concerning the direct social aid system. 

The decree specifically addresses Articles 2, 7, 8, 12, and 13, which pertain to determining the eligible beneficiaries. It outlines the procedures for submitting aid applications, the timelines for complaints, the verification of eligibility, and the disbursement of the aid.

The decree specifies the recipients of aid for risks associated with childhood, starting with spouses, custodians, guardians, and legal representatives. 

Additionally, this decree ensures that the total amounts assigned to each beneficiary family do not fall below MAD500  per month. These funds will be transferred directly to the family head’s account with an authorized bank.

Regarding the application process for direct social aid, the decree mandates the submission of requests through the National Agency for Social Support’s electronic platform. 

Applicants will receive notifications electronically about approved aid, while those rejected  can file complaints through the same online platform within a maximum period of 15 days from the date of the rejection notification.

The second decree numbered 2.23.1068 establishes the threshold for eligibility to benefit from the targeted social aid system. 

This decree sets the threshold for the targeted social support system at 9,743001, aiming to cover approximately 60% of the population currently not included in family compensations under existing laws and regulations. 

This decree aligns with Article 3 of the law No. 58.23, emphasizing the necessity for eligible families seeking to benefit from this system to meet the specified threshold.

The third decree numbered 2.23.1069  aims to enforce the provisions of Law No. 59.23 regarding the creation of the National Agency for Social Aid. 

The decree specifically addresses Articles 2 and 5, dealing with the state’s guardianship over the aforementioned agency and the composition of its board of directors.

The responsibility for overseeing the National Agency for Social Support has been delegated by this decree to the government authority in charge of budgeting. 

The decree stipulated that the representatives of the agency’s board be government authorities responsible for interior affairs, national solidarity, health and social protection, employment, family education, social integration and solidarity, finances, and the high commissioner for planning. 

Additionally, it emphasizes the appointment of independent members as stipulated in Article 5 of Law No. 59.23. 

The session witnessed the approval of the decree number 2.23.1041, which outlines the conditions and procedures for benefiting from public support in the sectors of press, publishing, printing, and distribution. The decree was proposed by Mehdi Bensaidi, Minister Culture.

This decree includes provisions specifying the eligibility criteria for public aid for press institutions, printing workshops, and distribution. 

The decree establishes common conditions among these entities, as well as specific requirements for each. It also details conditions for each printed or electronic periodical.

To oversee this process, a committee called the “Committee for the Support and Development of the Press, Publishing, Printing, and Distribution Sector” will be established.

This committee will review applications seeking aid for press, publishing, printing, distribution, and broadcasting.