Social Protection: National Committee Holds Meeting 1/2021

The National Committee on Social Protection held its 1/2021 meeting on Tuesday.

In his address, Chairman of the Committee Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win said that social protection is an important activity for poverty alleviation and the development of human capital which is essential for the development of the country.

The review of the implementation of Myanmar National Social Protection Strategic Plan 2014 shows signs of progress and there are remaining matters to be done better. The committee should draw a lesson based on the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare plans to undertake proper emergency responses if the world faces such a pandemic in the future. Currently, the Social Welfare Department is developing a Social Management Information System (SMIS).

The Electronic Cash Transfer will be used in providing cash assistance and it will be used as a pilot project in Ayeyawaddy Region and Shan State.

A long-term funding strategy must be drafted. It is important to have legal backing for the sustainability of funding programmes for social protection. Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement should draft the social assistance law in this financial year.

He stressed that social protection activities are the priorities of the country and that directly benefits the people, and so the ministries concerned and partner organizations should work together for effective implementation, cooperation and fundraising programmes. Attendees reported on the current social protection work plans and future plans.