Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam prepares cash worth of USD 1.3bn (HKD 10bn) as a livelihood policy for the poor and elderly. Accordingly, this appears to be an answer to the protests.
Details Regarding the Livelihood Policy
Accordingly, people who are over 60 and disabled people under 60 who receive the subsidies may travel on selected public transport networks at a cost of HKD 2. Additionally, this covers buses, minibuses, and ferries.
Other welfare policies cover the standardization of the Old Age Living Allowance to HKD 3.585 per month. The upper eligibility limit also increases to HKD 500.000 worth of assets.
There will also be Mandatory Provident Fund pension contributions for workers who earn less than HKD 7.100 per month. In addition, the government will gradually elevate the holidays for all workers from 12 to 17 days per year.
There will also be subsidies for people are yet to acquire public housing for over three years, which will continue until they acquire one, and people who apply for Working Family Allowance. The government will prepare additional 5.000 transitional housing units as well.
For the outsourced workers, Hong Kong government also promises certain subsidies. The Community Care Fund will grant subsidies to unemployed and underemployed people.
Also Read: Hong Kong Police Seize USD 10m from Protesters
Reaction to Hong Kong ‘Cash’ Policy to Answer Protests
Regarding the ‘cash’ policy, people in Hong Kong accuse it as an official government answer to the continuous protests. Reactions vary, but protesters are unhappy with it.
In response to the accusation, Lam disclosed that the policy has been a topic of discussion since a long time ago. However, the announcement is delayed due to the pro-democracy protests that have been happening since June last year.
“There are still many problems to handle in Hong Kong. We hope these measures will help the grassroots,” Lam said.
“We want to actively and positively respond to public demands. It is not the best response for the government to do nothing. We do not have other intentions,” she added.
