Committee to 'Let it be'

The strategy defines tasks for the 2007–2032 period for both government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the goal of “significantly decreasing child poverty and to achieve the full social integration of children,” and covers areas as diverse as the family benefits system, education, health care, and child protection. Speaking at a press conference following the weekly cabinet session on Wednesday (July 16), Budai said that a differentiated increase of family allowances had already been introduced from Jan 1 of this year, including reform to the conditions for regular child protection benefit which the neediest families are entitled to. Budai emphasized that, by 2010, in addition to children in day care, kindergarten and grades one to five, grade eight students entitled to regular child protection benefit will get free meals too.

Free meals

The “extraordinary significance” of the strategy is demonstrated  by the fact that the independent evaluation committee will follow up the implementation of the tasks laid down, the spokeswoman said. Prior to evaluation, however, the committee will be responsible for developing accountability and monitoring criteria and a follow-up system.
Budai explained that the committee will include, in addition to representatives of professional and civic organizations, representatives of the churches.
The nine-member body is expected to begin its work on Sep 15, and will prepare public annual reports for the government, the spokeswoman said.