The government has announced a Khmer New Year bonus of 50,000 riel, about $12.50, for all civil servants, including retired officials, according to a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen last Friday.

The directive, which applies only this year, will go to officials across the judiciary, executive and armed forces and represents a 10,000 riel ($2.50) increase from what officials received last year.

On March 23, the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association submitted a letter to Hun Sen asking that civil servants get 150,000 riel, about $37.50, for Khmer New Year.

While Uk Chayavy, vice president of the association, yesterday welcomed the bonus, she said it was low given the increase in prices over the holiday period.

“If the government had responded to what we wanted, it would have been better, because the price of products in the market and transportation costs are higher,” she added.

In a separate sub-decree, the government increased its social security contribution for retired civil servants, veterans and former employees with disabilities from 200,000 riel to 300,000 riel, depending on the pay grade at the time of retirement. Minister of Public Functions Pich Bunthin could not be reached.