CRO GOVT ADOPTS BILL ON SOCIAL WELFARE

ZAGREB, Nov 11 (Hina) - At Monday's session, the Croatian government adopted a programme on satisfying the social needs of the citizens of Croatia in the period from 1997 to 1999 and forwarded a Bill on social welfare to the Croatian Parliament. The programme was explained by Labour and Social Welfare Minister Jozo Skara. The programme stipulates that economic growth be stimulated by rationalization and public expenditure. Basic social security and a rise in life standard of citizens will be realized primarily through work and employment. The issues of social welfare for displaced persons and the unemployed will be resolved within the framework of reconstruction of the country and with the increase of production and services. In cases of an increase in dismissal of employees in public companies or a decrease in their numbers due to the decrease of production, special social welfare programmes will be drawn up. The programme envisages a new law on retirement and invalidity insurance. Skara said that some 4.8 billion kuna had been set aside for social programmes, while some 8 to 10 billion kuna was expected to be set aside next year. The Bill on social welfare envisages a whole social welfare system. The characteristics of the suggested system are rationalization and greater social justice, as well as the stimulation of private investments into social welfare institutions. The government also adopted the final Bill on amendments to the law on municipal economy. Municipal contribution was suggested at a lower rate, which should drop construction costs. The government endorsed a decision on launching an open competition for giving concession for the establishment of free trade zones in Rijeka, Krapina, Osijek and Sibenik. (hina) lm jn 111717 MET nov 96