In a recent meeting in Bac Giang province, government representatives convened to discuss a draft resolution aimed at partially abolishing the 2021 social assistance regulation, known as Resolution No. 24. This resolution, adopted on August 10, 2021, set the standard level of social assistance within the province, and the current proposal involves the removal of Clause 1, Article 2, which stipulates a monthly assistance level of 360,000 VND.
The recent changes stem from the Government's issuance of Decree No. 76 on July 1, 2024, which amended several articles of the existing social assistance legislation. Under this decree, the new standard for social assistance was raised to 500,000 VND per month. To transition to this updated standard, the Bac Giang Provincial People's Committee issued an official directive on July 23, 2024, mandating that the increased assistance regulation take effect starting on July 1, 2024, aligning with the new decree.
During the deliberations, representatives from various government departments emphasized the importance of a comprehensive assessment of Resolution No. 24 before making any amendments. Many voiced concerns that simply abolishing the specified clause would overlook the interconnectedness of the resolution's components.
“The agency drafting this resolution needs to thoroughly examine its content to gauge the total impact,” one official said, highlighting the necessity of a detailed exploration of the existing social assistance framework.
In her concluding remarks, the meeting chairperson, Lâm Thị Hương Thành, underscored that because Resolution No. 24 encompasses diverse beneficiaries and distinct assistance policies, it is vital to analyze the overall impact before moving forward. She suggested a wider collaboration with the Social Culture Committee of the Provincial People's Council to ensure that the draft resolution accurately reflects the changes mandated by Decree No. 76.
Additionally, she instructed the drafting committee and the office of the Provincial People's Committee to elucidate the rationale for the transition from a suggested abrogation to an amendment and to assess the feasibility of the changes.
Social program policies remain a focal point for Bac Giang province. Minister Đào Hồng Lan, during a recent announcement, noted that the new legal framework for professional social work was established through Decree No. 110, issued on August 30, 2024. This decree provides a structured legal context for the development of social work across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and social welfare.
“We will continue to ensure that our social workers are equipped to meet emerging challenges,” conveyed Minister Lan, stressing the importance of proactive and innovative approaches in providing assistance to those affected by economic hardships and social instability.
In the face of these policy alterations, Bac Giang province has also reinforced its commitment to uphold the needs of its vulnerable populations. Through systematic implementation of social protection programs, the province has effectively mobilized assistance across various demographics. Presently, the province administers monthly financial support to over 51,600 beneficiaries, distributing more than 35 billion VND each month, tailored to those experiencing profound difficulties.
In the Phucos Dong commune, for example, residents such as Trần Thị Hoài Thương exemplify how these assistance programs come into play. Thương, who faces visual impairment and is a single mother, supports her family by crafting bamboo products but often struggles with transportation costs. Her situation is alleviated by a monthly allowance exceeding 1 million VND, which is crucial for meeting basic needs.
Similarly, Bùi Thị Ái from Phước Long ward benefits from a combination of family support and government assistance due to her husband’s health issues that hinder their family’s wellbeing. The monthly allocations, totaling nearly 2.5 million VND for the family, have significantly improved their circumstances amid adversity.
Officials revealed that alongside regular assistance, the province is actively nurturing over 6,400 individuals within community centers and facilities aimed at fostering better living situations for those without homes or facing severe hardships.
As an example of its comprehensive support, Bac Giang province also allocated more than 100 million VND in emergency aid to nine cases of serious illness and provided funeral expenses exceeding 45 billion VND for over 300 individuals.
As the year draws to a close, Bac Giang province continues to uphold its social assistance policies, channeling more than 1,580 tons of rice to alleviate hunger for over 105,480 residents, a testament to their commitment to social welfare.
Recognizing the integral role of these policies, the Provincial People's Council passed a resolution late last year establishing additional assistance for 8 groups of beneficiaries not previously covered by the government regulations, dedicating about 21 billion VND annually toward these groups.
Officials are ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of social assistance by streamlining operations to ensure beneficiaries receive their payments promptly, stipulating that monthly disbursements must occur by the 15th of each month. They are also promoting cashless transactions, aiming for 100% of beneficiaries to receive their assistance payments electronically, which enhances efficiency and transparency.
“As public servants, it is our duty to provide the necessary support to those in need,” concluded Phạm Thái Đài, a local health department official, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and rigorous oversight to ensure no one is left behind.
In summary, Bac Giang province's intricate web of social assistance is not just a legislative formality but an active commitment to ensuring welfare across its communities, reflecting a societal pledge to uplift the vulnerable and strengthen resilience amid challenges.
