Budget 2026-2027 - a boost for families, the elderly and vulnerable children: the major social announcements

Among the main announcements, the monthly care allowance will increase from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,250. The government also plans to reimburse transport costs for children with disabilities attending registered pre-primary schools.

The budget allocated to learners with special educational needs will be increased from Rs 562 million to Rs 619 million. Similarly, 15 additional psychologists will be recruited to hospitals to provide more regular support for children with dyslexia and similar disorders.

Another measure announced: home medical visits, currently reserved for people aged 90 and over, will be extended to people aged 85 and over. A budget of Rs 58 million will be allocated to this initiative.

People aged 80 and over will also be able to request a monthly visit from a social worker to assess their well-being. To support this measure, 100 young people will receive appropriate training over the next three years.

The head of government also announced an extension of maternity leave to 12 months. The first six months will be paid at full salary, while the additional six months, which are optional, will be paid at half salary.

Paternity leave will be increased from four to six weeks. Finally, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will automatically be declared a public holiday.

Read Navin Ramgoolam's full speech below