Effectively implement the "Gratitude and Repayment" movement.

(Baonghean) - Over the past 70 years, through the ups and downs of each historical period, despite the many difficulties in socio-economic conditions, the Party committees, government, mass organizations, and people of the province have upheld the tradition and moral principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," consistently paying attention to and caring for the implementation of policies and regulations for wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution.

Seventy years ago, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 20/SL on February 16, 1947, establishing the pension, disability, and death benefit system for fallen soldiers and deciding to choose July 27 as National War Invalids Day to express "filial piety and compassion" towards those who have contributed to the nation. This milestone has been inextricably linked to the nation's history throughout the cause of defending the Fatherland and building socialism, inspiring and promoting the noble traditions and moral principles of "remembering the source when drinking water" and "repaying gratitude" among all strata of the population.

Free medical examinations and medication distribution for families receiving preferential treatment in Chau Thang commune (Quy Chau district). Photo: PV

During the war, the country faced many difficulties. To provide care for wounded soldiers and the families of fallen soldiers, social organizations such as "Relief Societies" and "Associations to Assist Wounded Soldiers" were established in almost all localities in the province to raise money and resources from the people to support the care of soldiers, wounded and sick soldiers, and the families of fallen soldiers. Movements such as "Rice Jar for Feeding the Army" and "Soldier's Uniform" were actively supported by all segments of the population.

When peace was restored, the country entered a period of reform, a time when policies were implemented to address outstanding issues from the war and adjust preferential allowances to improve the living standards of those who had rendered meritorious service. Along with expanding the scope of beneficiaries, the State also stipulated additional policies for those who had rendered meritorious service, such as: preferential policies for land and housing support, health insurance, and educational benefits…

Despite remaining a poor province, with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude, the Party committees, government, and people of Nghe An have paid attention to and fully and promptly implemented the policies of the Party and State for the families of martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and those who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution. Besides verifying eligibility and fully implementing the State's preferential policies, the "Gratitude and Repayment" movement and the care and support for the lives of families of those who have rendered meritorious services continue to develop extensively.

As one of the first localities to implement the nationwide campaign to build the "Gratitude and Repayment" fund, the province has raised an average of over 18 billion VND annually. From this fund, along with support from social contributions, localities, sectors, and units in the province have built 3,862 new houses and renovated 8,728 houses for needy families, and donated nearly 40,000 savings accounts to families of war veterans and martyrs, worth over 10 billion VND. Women's and youth organizations, through their "silk áo tặng mẹ, tặng bà" (silk áo tặng mẹ, tặng bà), have donated tens of thousands of clothing and blankets to needy families of war invalids and martyrs.

The campaign to welcome severely wounded and sick soldiers back to their families for care has yielded good results, with hundreds of severely wounded and sick soldiers being welcomed back to live with their families, ensuring them a stable life. The movement to provide care for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, in response to the call of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, has been actively supported by agencies and units in the province.

To ensure that policy payments are made to the correct beneficiaries, since 2013, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has focused on reviewing preferential treatment for war invalids and martyrs according to Directive No. 23/2013/TTg. After several months of piloting in Le Mao ward (Vinh city) and conducting a synchronized review in 21 districts and towns, by June 25, 2014, 5,130 beneficiaries had been reviewed (according to 7 groups of beneficiaries). After the final review by the provincial review board, the results showed that 5,117 people were receiving the correct benefits (accounting for 98%). As of May 31, 2017, the entire province has been paying regular allowances to 77,211 beneficiaries with a total payment of nearly 1,226,520 million VND per month.

Currently, due to various objective and subjective reasons, the lives of a segment of families receiving preferential treatment for their contributions to the nation remain difficult. In particular, some households are still classified as poor (currently 152 such households in the province), and thousands of households have not yet received support for building or repairing their homes.

Furthermore, the policy of preferential treatment for war invalids, families of martyrs, and those who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution is a broad, complex, and highly sensitive issue in social life. However, the awareness, involvement, and organizational direction of some agencies, units, and grassroots levels regarding the work related to war invalids, martyrs, and those who have rendered meritorious services have not been truly profound or comprehensive. There are even instances of irresponsibility leading to situations where war invalids, those receiving benefits similar to war invalids, and those affected by chemical toxins receive benefits incorrectly, or violations occur in the implementation of policies. Some individuals who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution, due to various reasons, have yet to be recognized.

Youth union members from Hung Loi commune (Hung Nguyen district) participate in harvesting rice for a single-parent family receiving government assistance. Photo: PV

Therefore, in the coming period, the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs will advise on mobilizing all resources so that by 2020, 100% of families of people with meritorious services to the revolution who are facing housing difficulties will receive support for repairs and construction according to regulations, and have a living standard equal to or higher than the average living standard of the community where they reside. The Ministry will also complete the settlement of benefits for people with meritorious services to the revolution who have not yet received them due to incomplete dossiers, ensuring strict adherence to the principle of "understanding the law and achieving compassion".

Strengthen coordination among all levels and sectors to continue promoting and mobilizing all strata of the population and socio-economic organizations to actively participate in the "Gratitude and Repayment" movement, effectively implementing the five programs to care for the lives of people with meritorious services, including: the "Gratitude and Repayment" fund building program; the program to build houses of gratitude; the program to give savings accounts of gratitude; the program to stabilize the lives of severely wounded and sick soldiers in their families; and the program to care for elderly, lonely parents and wives of martyrs, to support Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, to sponsor orphaned children of martyrs, and to care for people affected by Agent Orange.

Continue implementing priority policies in investment, supporting capital sources to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and provide vocational training to create employment for the children of martyrs, wounded soldiers, and those who have rendered meritorious services. At the same time, focus on encouraging and promoting the revolutionary family traditions of policy beneficiaries to overcome difficulties, strive for success in labor, production, and work, stabilize and improve their lives, and continue to contribute to building their homeland and country.

Today, showing gratitude and remembering one's roots is no longer just a sentiment but a responsibility of the entire community and society. Caring for wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, and those who have rendered meritorious service is a duty, responsibility, and honor for all levels, sectors, social organizations, and for everyone, for present and future generations. Successfully carrying out this work not only upholds the traditions and moral values ​​of our nation but also strengthens unwavering faith in the Party, the State, and the socialist system; making a significant contribution to stabilizing security and politics, developing the economy, and ensuring social welfare.

Nguyen Bang Toan

(Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs)