Register of poor families will be created

Starting December 1, 2024, the National Agency for Social Protection will create a Register of Poor Families, based on the social conditions and causes of poverty identified by the "Neighbourhood Seven" initiative. This is outlined in a presidential decree titled "On Taking Measures to Reduce Poverty and Increase the Welfare of the Population to a New Level," adopted on September 23.

Key measures from January 1, 2025, include:

• Financial Support Continuation: Family members from low-income households who secure employment, become self-employed, or start a business will continue to receive financial aid for children until the end of the term, with an extension of up to six months.
• Social Tax Relief: For family members listed in the register who earn at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, the social tax will be reduced to 1% for three years.
• Comprehensive Support: Able-bodied family members will receive employment based on social contracts, assistance in agriculture, education, and vocational training, with a focus on language learning, health, and maintaining their homes.

The government aims to lift 500,000 people out of poverty by the end of 2024 and 1 million by 2025, establishing the "From Poverty to Prosperity" program. This initiative will encourage citizens to take responsibility for their future and introduce the "Seven Opportunities and Responsibilities for Poor Families" framework.

Starting from November 1, 2024, the program will operate on the principle of "Seven Opportunities and Responsibilities for Poor Families."

These principles include:

• Ensuring stable employment and the attainment of high income.
• Providing access to education and vocational training.
• Offering the use of guaranteed state medical services.
• Ensuring access to various social services.
• Facilitating the improvement of living conditions.
• Supporting the development of neighborhood infrastructure by the state.
• Establishing direct communication with government employees.

It is important to note that recent estimates show around 5-6 million people in Uzbekistan need social protection.