VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has proposed the Government spend more than VND309 billion (US$15.7 million) on those who had made a contribution to the country's reunification to enjoy the traditional Lunar New Year Festival.

According to the submission, heroic mothers, heroes of the people's armed forces, labour heroes, and war invalids with major disabilities who receive a monthly allowance will be presented VND400,000 ($19) on this festival.

War invalids with less serious disabilities, relatives of martyrs and those whose health was declined due to the effects of Agent Orange will be presented VND200,000 ($9.5) in addition to their monthly allowance.

Yesterday, Jan 10, Ha Noi Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs deputy director Nguyen The Hung said the city would spend nearly VND200 billion ($10.2 million) for more than 730,000 poor people and those who had made a contribution to country.

Hung said the city's regulation stipulated that benefactors would receive between VND300,000-500,000 ($14-23), retired officers would be given VND200,000 ($9.5), poor people VND300,000 ($14) and the elderly VND1 million each.

Da Nang People's Committee has decided to present VND855 million ($43,605) to support cleaners who are in charge of garbage collection at the city's streets during the Tet holiday.

Cleaners will receive VND600,000 ($28.5) each and cyclo drivers will receive VND250,000 ($11.9) per head to enjoy the festival.

Last year, Ha Noi spent more than VND108 billion ($5.5 million) to help the poor prepare for the Tet holiday.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News