Survivors of Siege of Leningrad will receive allowances

People that have been in Leningrad city (Sankt-Petersburg) in the period of the II World War siege will receive monthly allowances in the amount of 200 lei, compared to 50 lei received at present. The Parliament passed a bill in this respect in two readings on Wednesday, December 27. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the bill does not comply with the Concept regarding the efficiency of the method of granting cash benefits, but this action that will contribute to the improvement of material situation of persons in need is welcome, says minister. At present, 71 survivors of Siege of Leningrad are living in Moldova, and the cost of the respective increases will amount to about 128,000 lei annually. The Law will come into force on January 1, 2007.