Hun Sen has signed a sub-decree saying all civil servants will receive a 50,000 riel bonus for Khmer New Year. Heng Chivoan
The government will provide a 50,000 riel ($12.50) bonus to all civil servants and members of the armed forces for the upcoming Khmer New Year, according to a sub-decree issued on Tuesday and signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.
According to Article 2 of the sub-decree, the bonuses must be implemented before the new year holiday, with each ministry and institution using accounts already set up to pay their civil servants, officials and staff.
Ministries, agencies and organisations that have not yet opened a salary account for their employees should arrange direct payment of the bonuses on time and in full for each person, the sub-decree said.
People currently working as government contract officers, temporary employees, or council members in Phnom Penh, provinces, municipalities, districts, khans, communes and villages will receive the allowance, the sub-decree said.
People who cannot be paid directly by their employers through a bank account must contact the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation to receive their bonus.
According to Article 3 of the sub-decree, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and relevant ministries must cooperate with individual organisations to ensure the prompt payment of the bonuses by April 12 at the latest.
Mean Nath, Phoum Thom commune chief in Kandal province’s Kien Svay district told The Post that although the bonus for the upcoming Khmer New Year was not a lot of money, it was encouraging and he will gladly accept it.
“Our team, such as the village chiefs, are very happy for the money. Even though it’s not so much, it’s good for morale. Currently, a village chief’s salary is only 250,000 riel, while commune chiefs get only 1,300,000 riel,” he said.
Nhem Saron, the school principal of Kolab 1 Primary School in the capital’s Daun Penh district, told The Post on Wednesday: “It is an honour that the prime minister has allocated 50,000 riel to all government officers. My colleagues and I appreciate it and are happy to receive the bonus.”
Government spokesman Phay Siphan told The Post on Wednesday that the government’s aim is to help civil servants celebrate Khmer New Year happily.
“This is the government’s contribution that shows its moral and virtuous stance in recognising the officers’ efforts in the public sector. [The money] is within the government’s ability and it is to help loyal government officers have a happy Khmer New Year celebration,” he said.
Ministry of Economy and Finance spokesman Meas Sok Sensan told The Post he could not estimate how much money will be required to fund the programme.
