The Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, Wellington Dias, released a statement this Wednesday (25) stating that social income transfer programs were created to guarantee food security and meet the basic needs of families in vulnerable situations.
“The priority will always be to combat hunger and promote dignity for those who need it most,” he highlighted.
The note was released shortly after the publication of a technical note prepared by the Central Bank (BC) which indicates that Bolsa Família beneficiaries spent R$ 3 billion on bets (electronic betting companies) via Pix in August.
Dias claims to have requested clarification from the Ministry of Finance and also highlighted the proposal in progress for the regulation of this market in Brazil.
“I am certain that the federal government, when dealing with this issue, will take into consideration the protection of the most vulnerable and the social impacts that may arise,” he reinforced, highlighting that he will monitor the regulations and find mechanisms to prevent money from social benefits from being used in gambling.
“Our focus remains firm: ensuring that Bolsa Família continues to be an effective instrument for combating poverty and food insecurity. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this objective is maintained,” he said in a statement.
