Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday called on the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation to continue implementing good services under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Hun Sen also promoted more home construction for veterans and their families, saying the government always remembers their contribution to the nation.
His announcement came in a letter marking the 13th anniversary of Cambodia’s Veterans Day on June 21.
“The Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation must continue to effectively provide NSSF services for veterans and their families through the National Fund for Veterans (NFV) across the country.
“The ministry shall strive to promote the implementation of housing projects for veterans and families as included in the government’s public investment plan,” he wrote.
“Cambodian veterans, please continue to maintain the spirit of excellence and dignity for the nation’s citizens and continue to be good examples in society.
“The government and the people of Cambodia throughout the country will always remember the great sacrifice and appreciation of all our veterans for our beloved homeland,” Hun Sen said.
Hun Sen’s letter said there are 91,975 veterans and 137,765 dependents receiving monthly NSSF payments.
From April onwards, the government has increased the monthly NSSF payments for retirement, employment disability, and the disabled from 560,000 to 620,000 riel ($138 to $153).
The letter also mentioned that veterans and their families have been receiving NSSF payments every two weeks of each month through partner banks across 25 provincial capitals since January last year.
The government has provided the NSSF healthcare card to the disabled, retired, and unemployed. The health equity fund provides for free check-ups and treatment at hospitals.
The letter said the government has established the disabled soldier development village in Ta gean Koh Sla, in Chhouk District, Kampot province, a disabled soldier development centre in Kulen district, Siem Reap province, and another centre in Phnom Chhat in Banteay Meanchey province.
“Meanwhile, the Cambodian Veterans Association (CVA) and charities have built thousands of homes for veterans in communities,” Hun Sen wrote.
Ministry spokesman Touch Channy told The Post on Monday that the veterans national fund is for all veterans who have retired and lost their employment ability, and that salaries are the same for retired civil servants. The funding does not expire in their lifetime.
Channy said the ministry has been responsible for the construction of homes for veterans facing difficulty, but the task has been turned over to the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.
“All the veterans register with the social affairs ministry, but their home is built by the land management ministry. There is no problem with providing the money. We have managed it well,” he said.
