Thai Binh (VNA) - Returning to their local communities after serving prison sentences, former inmates face serious challenges, including unstable employment, and financial difficulties. A credit programme with preferential interest rates was established under Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg, dated August 17, 2023 by the Prime Minister to help former inmates secure stable jobs so they can rebuild their lives.
In the northern province of Thai Binh, this credit source has proven highly effective, serving as a source of significant support for many people to overcome past mistakes, improve their livelihoods, and become useful members of society.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme is Tran Van Toan, a resident in Tay Luong commune, who got a loan at the Tien Hai district branch of the Bank for Social Policies . He is busy everyday working at a packaging recycling workshop, preparing orders for customers. Despite the hard work, he finds joy in it, as it allows him to support his family, build a better life, and contribute to society.
Toan shared that his lack of understanding and impulsive behaviour led to an outburst that resulted in a one-year prison sentence for "resisting law enforcement officers." His time in prison was filled with regret, but it also gave him the opportunity to reflect on his action. This period of introspection motivated him to strive for personal growth and rehabilitation, so that he completed his sentence and returned to society with a renewed sense of purpose.
Toan was released in 2020. Upon returning to his community, he faced significant societal prejudice due to his past of wrongdoings. At the end of 2023, Toan became one of the first individuals in Tien Hai district to access funding through the credit programme under Decision 22, receiving a loan of 100 million VND (3,940 USD) with an interest rate of 6.6% per year.
Toan shared that his recycling facility currently covers an area of 1,400sq.m. After collecting packaging materials from across the province, his facility recycles them into plastic pellets, which are then sold in the local market as well as to other provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Hung Yen. On average, his facility produces about 100 tonnes of plastic pellets per month, giving him an income of 25-30 million VND per month, with peak months reaching 40-50 million VND.
Decision 22 is a highly humane policy and a "lifebuoy" that has helped Toan overcome financial difficulties and secure the capital needed to start his business. The preferential interest rate, in particular, has eased the pressure of borrowing, allowing him to focus on production with peace of mind.
Ha Thi Thom, Deputy Director of the Bank for Social Policies in Tien Hai district, stated that following the Prime Minister’s Decision 22 on loans for individuals who complete serving prison sentences, the district has actively coordinated with relevant units to disseminate the credit programme, receive loan applications, assess the dossiers, and disburse funds in compliance with legal regulations. As of June 2024, the bank had disbursed loans to eight households, totalling 530 million VND.
For the entire province, 61 individuals have to date gained access to the programme, with a total loan capital of 4.4 billion VND./.
