13.7 percent of Moroccan population live below poverty line, Minister

Nearly 13.7 percent of the Moroccan population currently live below poverty line with less than 3,500 Dhs (around US $388) per year, revealed the Moroccan Social Development, Family and Solidarity Minister.

Abderrahim Harouchi noted in an interview published Tuesday in "Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb" daily that social exclusion affects thousands of people living in shanty towns and unhealthy housing zones.

According to the Minister, illiteracy, which he deemed a factor of exclusion, touches 44pc of the Moroccan overall population that is estimated at over 29 millions.

Fighting poverty in rural areas, he said, requires an "integrated development program including literacy programs, training, revenue-generating activities and support to the local development process.

Harouchi also evoked in the interview the problem of "professional" beggars, who "use rented or stolen children" in their activities.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to such mistreatments," he said, highlighting the role of citizens in dissuasion.

He noted that his department has signed conventions with 36 associations in Casablanca and Rabat to create revenue-generating activities to help these beggars.

Last November, Harouchi said a budget of 20 million DH (over US$ 2 million) was earmarked for a program to control beggary and the use of children in begging.