(VOV) – The NA deputies today discussed the draft laws on National Defense and Security Education and Local Mediation at their on going year-end session. The draft law on National Defense and Security Education defines the communication of national defense and security knowledge to the people. Accordingly, main localities should disseminate national defense and security information to prestigious people in ethnic minority groups, border areas, islands, and employees of enterprises. The deputies agree to organize national security education centers at the ministerial and provincial levels. NA Deputy Tran Hong Tham, from Can Tho city says: "Regarding national defense and security education at school, I agree that the knowledge should be integrated in other main subjects. We should also organize extra activities relating to national defense and security to improve the children’s awareness on this issue and unity."

The draft law defines responsibilities of the Government, Ministry of Justice, ministries and ministerial level agencies and financial support in mediation practices. The new point in the draft law is to acknowledge the key role of the Fatherland Front and its member organizations in mediation. Those who get involved in mediation often work at social and political organizations such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Youth Union and Women’s union. Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Nhiem, a deputy from Yen Bai province suggested some criteria for mediators: "I agree that mediators should have good knowledge about laws. But those who live in remote and mountainous areas have limited understanding about laws, so it is difficult to select some. I suggested that the law should be flexible to suit different areas and localities. It is necessary to create conditions for mediators to get more knowledge about laws and improve conciliation skills". 

Earlier, NA agreed on some amendments to the Law on Personal Income Tax. Under the law, family deductions are raised to 9 million VND instead of 4 million VND per month; and the deduction for dependants are to 3.6 million VND instead of 1.6 million VND per month. The law will take effect next July.