Three women hold up benefits cards used to receive cash through the cash transfer programme for people affected by Covid-19, on January 1. NSAF
The National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF), a new public institution, was officially launched on January 1, with duties to provide social assistance and social security interventions to poor and vulnerable members of society, while administering pensions.
A January 1 announcement said the NSAF is currently administering several social assistance schemes, including cash aid programmes for pregnant women and new mothers and cash transfer programmes for poor and vulnerable households affected by the global pandemic or inflationary pressures.
The institution also provides assistance to the victims of natural disasters, and administers the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Chhour Sopanha, director of the Department of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, said the official launch announcement was made to raise people’s awareness of the institution, and the services it provides.
The NSAF is overseen by the ministry in terms of policy, with the Ministry of Economy and Finance providing financial oversight, according to Sub-Decree No 68, dated March 31, 2022.
The institution’s structure, which integrated the NSSF for Civil Servants, the National Veterans’ Fund (NVF) and the social welfare department, was established by Sub-Decree No 210, dated October 17, 2022.
