(VNF) - Ministries, sectors, authorities and unions are actively carrying out measures to give a warm and happy lunar New Year festival (Tet) to poor and disadvantaged people as well as beneficiaries’ families.

In December, 2014, the Ministry of Labour, War-Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) sent an official dispatch to localities and cities asking for the list of families who face a risk of food shortages during Tet and between-crop periods. If the city and provincial budgets cannot afford the assistance, provinces and cities can suggest rice assistance from the Government. So far, the 5 provinces of Nghe An, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Quang Tri and Tuyen Quang have asked for 6,500 tons of rice for 124,000 poor families.

Apart from rice assistance, relevant agencies are expected to promote humanitarian activities. Accordingly, the Vietnam Fatherland Front will earmark over VND3 billion from the fund for the poor to give 5,910 Tet presents worth VND500,000 each to poor families; and an amount of VND20 million to each of 4 centres for disabled people or orphans. In addition, the Fatherland Front at provincial and city level will also mobilise money from other resources to care for the poor.

According to Duong Quoc Xuan, deputy head of the southwestern regional steering committee, the committee has encouraged agencies and sponsors to join hands in caring for the poor during Tet. Accordingly, some 1,300 poor families across 13 provinces will be given Tet presents worth VND1 million each.

Moreover, it will organise an art performance for poor families as well as soldiers in border and island areas in which 257 houses worth VND40 million each will be granted for poor families and soldiers.

Some 140 retired cadres and senior revolutionary cadres will also be given Tet presents by the committee.

In Hanoi, the city Department of Labour, War-Invalids and Social Affairs has proposed the city budget VND300,000 in each Tet present for poor families. Some 30,000 poor families are expected to receive the assistance. In addition, the city will give housing support of VND20-40 million each to 70 poor families in Ba Vi and My Duc districts.

In Ho Chi Minh city, the assistance during Tet for poor families and beneficiaries’ families has been adjusted at an higher amount compared to last year, according to Huynh Thanh Khiet, deputy head of the city Department of Labour, War-Invalids and Social Affairs.

The city will spend VND198 billion caring for Tet for 246,400 poor people, beneficiaries and revolutionary contributors. In addition, nearly 180,800 low income cadres and officials will receive an assistance worth nearly VND181 billion./.

Quynh Trang