Cambodian Gov’t Allocates US$1.359bn in Subsidies to Support 700,000 Vulnerable Families

• Sommana Yan
• 8 August 2024
• Local News
• 1782 Views

The Cambodian government allocated US$1.359 billion to support approximately 700,000 poor and vulnerable families, benefiting a total of 2.8 million individuals. This major financial commitment was highlighted during the 12th meeting of the National Council for Social Protection at the end of July 2024.

The cash assistance program spanned 46 months, including a full implementation period from June 2020 to December 2023, followed by a three-month exit strategy phase from January to March 2024.

As of June 2024, about 570,000 target households, representing 84% of those eligible, had registered for the program, facilitated by equity cards. To support this endeavour, the Royal Government allocated a budget of 72.5 billion riels, approximately US$18 million.

The program was first announced on 24 June 2020 by former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen to provide crucial monthly allowances to the affected families, significantly mitigating the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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