Gov't to inject 716 billion won in supporting underprivileged

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SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government plans to provide 716
billion won (US$482 million) to help lower-income families pay for heating and
other necessities this winter, officials said Thursday.
The decision was made ahead of parliamentary approval of the 2009 revised budget
of 283.8 trillion won, as the nation's underprivileged face growing economic woes
amid the global financial crisis and high commodity prices. The input on
lower-income and farming households will add up to about 2.2 trillion won by
March this year.
"Unused portions from this year's budget will be used to stabilize the livelihood
of the underprivileged, which will include heating and energy subsidies,
scholarships for elementary school students, job finding programs and
unemployment benefits," Hwang Young-chul of the ruling Grand National Party told
reporters after attending a government-ruling party meeting Thursday.
About 86,000 people currently receiving basic living subsidies from the state
will each get 60,000 won a month for heating expenses, while about 1 million
households will be receiving 77,000 monthly as energy subsidies.
More than 200 billion won will be spent on creating public jobs and providing
employment training for young people from the lower-income bracket.
"The government will also make effort in stabilizing prices for water supplies,
gas and public transportation," Rep. Hwang said.
"Although the measures decided today are far from satisfactory, they are the
first step in helping needy people through this winter without too much
difficulties," ruling party leader Park Hee-tae said.
The government-party meeting was attended by Prime Minister Han Seung-soo,
Finance Minister Kang Man-soo and party officials led by Park.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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