15 million expected to register as low-income earners for benefits
While the government has predicted bright economic prospects this year, as many as 15 million people are expected to register as low-income earners to obtain assistance in the second round of registration that opens today – almost double the number of people enrolled late last year. The increase was anticipated as people failed to register in the first round due to a lack of awareness about the potential benefits, said Krisada Chinavicharana, director of the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office. However, enrolees could expect more stringent criteria and some might not be qualified to receive help from the government, Krisada said. “In the previous round, we only laid out loose criteria. As a result, some of the enrolees received benefits they didn’t deserve,” Krisada said. “Some had expensive homes, for example. So, this time we will lay down more clear specifications to ensure the rich cannot get into the scheme.”
