Spreading humane policies: When Khmer monks accompany voluntary social insurance policies

When humane policy comes to the temple

The voluntary social insurance policy communication program was organized by My Xuyen District Social Insurance in coordination with Thanh Phu Commune People's Committee, with the participation of Comrade Phu Viet Ben - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for implementing social insurance and health insurance policies in the area and Venerable Lam Chanh Sam Nang - Deputy Abbot of Can Duoc Pagoda. In particular, the presence of more than 40 monks created a solemn and warm atmosphere, demonstrating the spirit of seeking knowledge and paying attention to the social security policies of the Party and State.

In his opening speech, Mr. Phu Viet Ben - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for the implementation of social insurance and health insurance policies in Thanh Phu Commune, affirmed: "The Khmer ethnic people, especially monks, play a special role in the cultural, spiritual and mental life of the community. Spreading the voluntary social insurance policy through the pagoda system is not only an effective approach, but also respects and promotes the endogenous strength of the ethnic minority community. We believe that from this pagoda, the humane policies of the Party and State will be transmitted with the heart, with the influence of the Dharma".

Mr. Phu Viet Ben - Vice Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for implementing social insurance and health insurance policies in Thanh Phu commune (blue shirt, standing) spoke at the propaganda session.

Through the propaganda session, the communication officers of My Xuyen District Social Insurance shared key contents about the voluntary social insurance policy: from participation conditions, contribution levels - benefits, pension regime to death benefits... A special point emphasized is that the State is supporting 30% of the contribution level for the poor, 25% for the near-poor, 10% for other subjects - clearly demonstrating the humanity and inclusiveness of the policy.

Not only using Vietnamese, the presentation was also supported by Khmer translation, helping the monks understand each aspect of the policy, and the monks also boldly asked questions and expressed their concerns. Questions such as: "Can monks participate in social insurance?", "If I return to secular life or have relatives who want to participate, what are the procedures?"... were all answered thoroughly and easily by the communication officer of the Social Insurance Department of My Xuyen district.

A small start - a big spread

After the discussion, a positive signal immediately spread. Venerable Lam Chanh Sam Nang decided to participate in voluntary social insurance for himself and registered for his family members. Not only that, Venerable Thach Duyen - a young monk - also agreed to respond, becoming the first people in the monastic community at Can Duoc Pagoda to participate in the State's voluntary social insurance policy.

Sharing with us, Venerable Lam Chanh Sam Nang said calmly but convincingly: “Before, we thought that monks did not need pensions or insurance, because life was simple. But today, I understand that participating in social insurance is not only to take care of my own old age, but also a way to contribute to building a better society. I believe that, with a certain influence in the community, monks can be the bridge to bring this policy to many people, first of all Khmer Buddhists.”

That sharing made many officials present at the communication session feel emotional. It is from those responsible and confident thoughts that the voluntary social insurance policy really comes into life, becoming a solid support for people, especially in remote areas.

Telling Numbers and the Way Forward

According to statistics, as of mid-May 2025, My Xuyen district had developed 2,270 people to participate in voluntary social insurance, reaching 72.59% of the target assigned by the district People's Committee of 3,127 people. Of which, Thanh Phu commune reached 158/297 people, equivalent to 53.20%. These figures partly show the remarkable efforts of the grassroots political system, but also put a lot of pressure in the final period of the year.

Therefore, organizing communication activities at Khmer pagodas - like the model at Can Duoc pagoda - is considered a correct direction, both unique and showing respect for national cultural identity. Not only does it contribute to increasing the participation rate, but it also strengthens the belief, patriotism and sense of responsibility of each citizen - regardless of their class, ethnicity or religion.

Mr. Tran Minh Trong - Director of Social Insurance of My Xuyen district shared: “We not only want people to understand the policy, but also hope that they believe and proactively participate. Therefore, in addition to propaganda at households and self-governing groups, “knocking on the temple door” to mobilize monks - who have a big voice among the Khmer people - is a very important strategy. We hope that, from Can Duoc pagoda, this model will be replicated to other Khmer pagodas in the district such as: Nhu Gia pagoda, Tra Tim pagoda, Chen Kieu pagoda…”.

Social Security Policy: No One Left Behind

Voluntary social insurance is an open policy, for all Vietnamese citizens aged 15 and over, regardless of profession, religion or ethnicity. When a Khmer monk, an ethnic minority, or a farmer in a remote area decides to participate in voluntary social insurance, it is not only a personal choice but also a voice of consensus with the Party's major policy, a vivid expression of trust in the socialist rule of law State.

Voluntary social insurance policy, when it comes to the right place - right person - right way, will touch everyone's heart.

From Can Duoc Pagoda, we saw the excited eyes of the monks when they held the policy leaflets in their hands, were guided by the Social Insurance officers on how to register, and were advised on the benefits... It can be said that the voluntary Social Insurance policy, when it comes to the right place - the right person - the right way, will touch the hearts of the people.

And perhaps, in the sound of temple bells ringing in the quiet of noon, we heard the first sounds of a growing belief: Every citizen, wherever they are, will have the right to be protected by social security policies.

QUYNH ANH

Source: https://baosoctrang.org.vn/bao-hiem-xa-hoi-tinh-soc-trang/202505/lan-toa-chinh-sach-nhan-van-khi-su-sai-khmer-dong-hanh-cung-chinh-sach-bhxh-tu-nguyen-df012d3/