Uzbekistan to approve a unified list of 28 social assistance programs

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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a new system aimed at enhancing the targeting of social assistance and improving care for people with disabilities during a presentation on January 28, the Presidential Press Service reported.  

This initiative follows the President’s directive issued during a videoconference on December 13. Based on global best practices and the country’s current needs, several proposals have been developed to streamline social welfare distribution. A key reform involves providing social assistance to families registered in the “Register of Poor Families” through the “Women's Notebook” and “Youth Notebook.” Additionally, a new mechanism will allocate funds proportionally based on the number of residents, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families in each district and city.  

Families officially recognized as poor will automatically qualify for social assistance without the need for additional applications or documentation.  

As part of the reform, inefficient and underutilized social assistance programs will be phased out, and a unified list of 28 types of social aid will be introduced. Additionally, medical treatment and surgical expenses covered under social assistance programs will be financed through the State Medical Insurance Fund.  

"To further address regional socio-economic challenges, “Infrastructure and Social Stability” funds will be established under district and city governments. Although these funds will not function as separate legal entities, they will be allocated for initiatives aimed at resolving organizational, practical, and infrastructural problems, promoting healthy lifestyles and sports, and supporting environmental protection efforts," the report stated.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of providing specialized care for children with disabilities. To address this, the government is proposing the establishment of a day care service for children aged 3 to 18 through a public-private partnership. Admission to these centers will be based on social contracts with parents and recommendations from the Psychological-Medical-Pedagogical Commission.  

These reforms mark a significant step in Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve social protection, ensuring more effective and targeted support for vulnerable populations.  

"By the end of this year, approximately 2,000 children with severe disabilities are expected to receive support through these services. This initiative will enable their mothers to pursue employment and education, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of their families," the report states.  

Additionally, the "Children's Health" information system has been launched to facilitate the diagnosis and analysis of each child’s condition. Under this system, children will receive comprehensive medical, rehabilitation, educational, and social services. Institutions providing these services will receive subsidies per child, along with preferential loans for necessary purchases. Furthermore, parental payments of up to 3 million sums per month for day care services will be exempt from taxation.  

The presentation also outlined measures aimed at lifting families out of poverty, following the principle of "seven opportunities and responsibilities." The government has introduced the "Register of Poor Families" information system, which evaluates households based on their socio-economic status, income, and property.  

As a result of these efforts, 48,000 citizens have secured employment, over 10,000 individuals have undergone professional training, and 14,000 people have received loans and subsidies. Additionally, 140,000 families have been connected with healthcare services, while 38,000 citizens have been provided with social assistance. Furthermore, 32,000 children have been enrolled in kindergartens, and nearly 7,000 young people have been supported in preparing for university entrance exams.  

President Mirziyoyev approved these proposals and instructed officials to categorize families in the poverty register based on their ability to work. He also emphasized the need for stronger state support for those unable to work and measures to facilitate their social integration. 


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Shavkat Mirziyoev O'zbekiston ijtimoiy yordam

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