Prime Minister Hun Manet has explained that the government's financial support and intervention programmes, some of which began at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, are not intended to foster a culture of dependency.  Rather, they aim to assist individuals during a specific period of need, enabling them to manage their lives more effectively in the long run.

Speaking at the closing of the annual review, evaluation, and planning meeting of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation on the morning of February 6, Manet said he had received inquiries from an unnamed person who questioned whether the government's cash transfer programmes would cultivate a reliance on government assistance.

"To those who wonder why the government introduces social support programmes instead of encouraging self-sufficiency, please examine the detailed programmes closely. We provide short-term assistance to empower them for long-term survival. In turn, they contribute to the state, fostering the growth of the country's economy,” he explained.

The government has allocated over $1.4 billion to five intervention programmes since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Additionally, a training programme has been initiated for 1.5 million youth from impoverished and vulnerable families, along with the introduction of agriculture officials at the commune level.

“The answer to the question of whether social protection programmes lead to a culture of dependency is no, they do not. They actually create a culture of independence. We have to accept that our people need support during difficult times,” he added.