Hanoi (VNA) – Within the framework of the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s 9th session, lawmakers convened in groups to discuss two draft resolutions in the afternoon of May 22. The first resolution focuses on tuition exemption and support for preschool children and general education students. The second resolution addresses universal preschool education for children aged 3-5.

During the discussions, deputies voiced strong support for the tuition exemption policy and financial assistance for preschool children, general education students, and learners enrolled in the national education system, while emphasising the significance and importance of universal preschool education for children aged 3-5. They regarded these policies as "very humanitarian" and considered them an important step forward in ensuring equitable access to education.

Tuition exemption is expected to reduce the financial burden on households, particularly those in remote and underprivileged areas. This is especially meaningful in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and amidst rising living costs, thereby contributing to eliminating financial barriers and promoting fairness between public and private schools, urban and rural areas, and formal and non-formal education systems.

They stressed that if these two policies are approved by the NA, they will serve as a foundation for developing the future workforce. To ensure the effective and sustainable implementation, several deputies proposed reconsidering the timeline for implementing the resolution on universal preschool education, and postponing it until the 2026–2027 school year to allow adequate preparation in terms of infrastructure and teaching staff. However, many deputies recommended that the tuition exemption policy should be implemented as soon as possible.

Hanoi’s deputy Truong Xuan Cu highlighted the need for public schools to limit the collection of other types of fees, from extra classes to supplementary educational services.

Also in the afternoon, the legislative body scrutinised a draft resolution on extending the duration of agricultural land use tax exemption stipulated in Resolution No. 55/2010/QH12 on the exemption and reduction of agricultural land use tax, which was amended and supplemented by Resolution No. 28/2016/QH14 and Resolution No. 107/2020/QH14.

The majority of lawmakers backed the extension of the agricultural land use tax exemption until the end of 2030, viewing it as a move to institutionalise the Party and State’s policy of prioritising agriculture, farmers, and rural areas.

Deputies stressed the ༒need to evaluate the impacts of the tax exemption and implement measures to prevent abuse. They also suggested penalties for tꦯhose who own agricultural land but leave it uncultivated or fail to use it productively./.