Tet for the poor
(VOV) - Despite economic difficulties, the Vietnamese government has paid special attention to the poor, especially during the lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.
Caring for the poor intensifies a few months before the Tet celebration. The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has asked the government to earmark nearly VND400 billion for social policy beneficiaries, VND3.5 billion more than last year.
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| Presenting Tet gifts to the poor |
It has also asked the government to allocate 23,000 tonnes of rice to needy people. MOLISA Minister Pham Thi Hai Chuyen said this is a major effort by the Party and State in the context of economic difficulties.
“The government has instructed local administrations to care for poor households to help them enjoy Tet. Vietnam is one of the ASEAN countries with extensive social welfare policies, especially for the poor. The government has requested provinces review those classified as poor households to make sure all of them have a jubilant Tet,” she said.
The Prime Minister in his recent instructions has required provinces to ensure a sufficient supply of goods to border, remote and ethnic regions. He asked ministries and provinces to follow Party guidelines and State
policies on caring for the poor and social beneficiaries.
The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) has allocated from its Fund for the Poor more than VND3 billion worth of Tet gifts. They will be sent to provinces, army units, remote areas and islands. VFF President Huynh Dam said that the Fatherland Front has encouraged organizations and individuals to care more for the poor.
“We have encouraged organisations and individuals to help the poor in a practical way. Many individuals have pledged to support the poor despite the economic doldrums,” he said.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has joined businesses in transporting affordable goods to remote areas to care for the low income-earners. MoIT Minister Vu Huy Hoang confirmed that provinces have prepared stockpiles of Tet goods since the middle of the year.
"With subsidies worth more than VND1 trillion, provinces have done their best to ensure a stable supply of merchandise for Tet,” said Hoang.
Provincial effort for the poor is part of Vietnam’s policy of fostering social welfare for all.