President brings in law offering more opportunities for disabled

HA NOI — The Law on People with Disabilities was promulgated yesterday, paving the way for equal opportunities for this group.

The law, that was endorsed by President Nguyen Minh Triet, sets out the rights and responsibilities of a disabled person, as well as the obligations of the State, relatives and society.

Certain disabled people will be eligible for monthly social allowances and burial costs if they die after the legal document comes into effect at the beginning of next year.

The relatives of people with severe disabilities will also receive a monthly pension, as will carers and the disabled person if they are pregnant or the parent of a child under three years old.

The State will also cover the costs of a social protection centre for homeless people with severe disabilities.

"I'm so happy and feel protected under the new law. I look forward to the moment when it comes into effect," said Nguyen Trung Quan, a Ha Noi resident who suffered a serious work accident seven years ago.

Postal services

The Law on Postal Services and the Law on Efficient and Effective Energy Usage were also promulgated yesterday.

The Law on Postal Services is in line with the Ordinance on Post and Telecommunications, issued in 2002, and a number of other relevant legal documents, to meet the requirements of World Trade Organisation membership and the Universal Post Union convention.

One of the key features of the new law is the State's role in providing postal services. The State will have to ensure that universal postal services are continuously provided, and that they are of high quality and value for money.

Meanwhile, the Law on Efficient and Effective Energy Usage is expected to boost energy conservation in line with the country's international economic integration.

The Ministry of Industry Trade and is now working on draft decrees to flesh out the law. They will also set out administrative punishments for violations in energy use. A roadmap on energy standards and labelling, to be applied on all energy-consuming vehicles and equipment, will also be formulated to complement the law.

Both laws will take effect at the beginning of next year.

The President also promulgated a resolution detailing the criteria for key national projects to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval. The resolution was approved by the assembly last month. — VNS