The government on October 24 completed the third phase of the sixth round of funding to assist 670,000 poor and vulnerable people. The cash assistance is to help needy people hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the government handing out more than 120 billion riel ($29.5 million) during this round.
The first phase of the seventh round began on October 23 and will last until November 24, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation on October 25.
The government has provided cash assistance to poor and vulnerable people since June 25, 2020, and since that time to September 24 this year, it has provided over $470 million from its coffers.
The Post could not reach ministry secretary of state Samheng Boros for comment on October 26.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun believes that the amount the government has spent is relatively small compared to some other countries that have also provided assistance to needy people during the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said it is good to assist people having difficulties during the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.
“A large number of our people are close to the poverty line, and the Covid-19 outbreak has made them even poorer. All assistance is worth it when helping our people, no matter how much it is. Whether it is financial help or policy in economic recovery, it is all very important,” he said.
On June 24, 2020, Prime Minister Hun Sen officially launched the programme to provide cash assistance to poor and vulnerable households as part of its fight against Covid 19, with the social affairs ministry implementing the programme since June 25, 2020.
