Pham Van Long, principal of Hanoi Tourism College, held a dialogue with nearly 400 students on 1/12 concerning support funds for the 80th National Day anniversary event (A80).

In August, about 980 students from the college participated in volunteer activities like holding placards. Last week, many expressed frustration after receiving 940,000 dong in support funds, an amount lower than what students at other colleges received (1.6-2.2 million dong). The issue garnered significant attention on social media, drawing tens of thousands of interactions, with most comments suggesting irregularities.

Long expressed his desire for students to fully understand the relevant information. He encouraged them to ask direct questions about any concerns, assuring them they would not face repercussions for engaging in dialogue.

Pham Van Long, principal, during the dialogue with students on 1/12. Photo: Thanh Hang

Long first clarified the financial support students were to receive. He stated that the Ministry of Finance initially proposed 80,000 dong per training session, but later approved 60,000 dong. For three joint practice and preliminary rehearsal sessions, the support was 180,000 dong per session. For two general rehearsals and the main ceremony, it was 200,000 dong per session.

Therefore, students who completed all 17 training sessions and five sessions from joint practice to the main ceremony were eligible for 1.96 million dong. After deducting 440,000 dong for 11 days of meals, the net amount was 1.52 million dong.

According to Long, the college disbursed 940,000 dong in cash. Students will receive the remaining amount along with commendation certificates at an honor ceremony, scheduled for late December. Additionally, five outstanding students from each team will receive an extra 700,000 dong award, funded by the college.

Regarding student inquiries about the lower amount compared to other colleges, Long stated he would "not discuss" the differences, focusing instead on ensuring transparency for his college's figures.

Long discusses the A80 support funds students received. Video: Thanh Hang

Addressing why the college did not announce the two-part payment, Long admitted it was an "oversight". The payment plan was signed on 24/11 while he was abroad, and the Student Affairs Department "failed to implement it specifically".

"I must frankly state that this was an oversight by the college in providing incomplete information to students", Long shared.

Some students expressed concern about receiving cash despite having provided bank account numbers, and about the payment receipts not clearly stating the amount. Regarding the cash payment, Long explained that a direct transfer from the state treasury would have deposited the full 1.96 million dong into student accounts. However, the college needed to deduct 440,000 dong for meals, and requiring students to receive the full amount and then return the meal money would be cumbersome.

Long acknowledged the practice of signing receipts without specifying the amount as "a significant issue" in financial management. He explained that the college intended for students to write the amount received on the form themselves, ensuring the figures and signatures were "in the same handwriting". However, teachers failed to explain this clearly during distribution. "Teachers did not anticipate this situation; their thinking was simple", Long said. "I affirm there was no blank signing".

Students of Hanoi Tourism College ask questions to Principal Pham Van Long on 1/12. Photo: Thanh Hang

During the dialogue, Long instructed departments to prepare relevant documents and regulations, inviting students to review them. He acknowledged the students' feedback as legitimate, stating it would help the college "learn a profound lesson". He also publicly shared his personal phone number, encouraging students to contact him directly with any issues and pledging to resolve them within 12 hours.

Hanoi Tourism College, established in 1972, was formerly known as the Hotel and Tourism Workers School. Currently, it offers nine majors, including: tourism and travel service management, tour guiding, hotel management, restaurant and food service management, and accounting. The enrollment target for 2025 is nearly 2,100 students.

By Thanh Hang