On February 20, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference to discuss priority social protection issues.
In accordance with Article 1 of our Constitution, Uzbekistan is a social state. A decree on the provision of quality social services and assistance to the population was adopted on June 1, 2023, and the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established.
An in-depth analysis of the experiences of more than 10 countries involving qualified experts revealed the need to improve the existing social protection system, which has not changed significantly in the last 30 years and has been limited to the allocation of public funds. This has led to a situation where part of the population has become accustomed to relying on assistance without seeking to improve their situation.
For instance, the continuous payment of benefits to the able-bodied persons has been identified. Medical and social rehabilitation and vocational training for persons with disabilities have not been given the due attention.
The President stressed the importance of a fundamental rethink of the system, focusing on the targeted and effective distribution of social assistance.
“It is not possible to work in a general way in this area. A personalized and professional approach to the destiny of each family and each individual. If social services are properly organized, it will be easier for needy citizens to take their place in society,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The priority areas of work were identified with a focus on developing social services and support at the makhalla level. Increased transparency and targeted research into the needs of the population have led to a review of the list of beneficiaries, excluding those with stable incomes and organizing support for two thousand people living alone and in need of care.
Despite the wide range of social services – 250 types – the population is not well informed about them.
In this context, changes in the procedure for identifying people in need of social protection will be introduced on June 1. Precise criteria will be developed for the category of persons in need and the type of assistance the family needs will be specified.
The introduction of a single questionnaire will help representatives of the ‘seven makhallas’ interact with residents to identify their problems and opportunities, and create a ‘social portrait’ of each family. Changes in the family after the assistance is provided will be monitored.
It was noted at the meeting that it is not a question of cutting back on resources, but of helping those who need it in the most effective way.
The provision of all social services in the makhalla will gradually be transferred to the social services contract. In this case, both the service provider and the beneficiary will assume certain obligations.
The list of beneficiaries will primarily include families of people with disabilities, who have been deprived of parental care, who have lost their breadwinner, and those who are unable to work for long periods for health or other reasons. The inclusion of other citizens in the “social register” will take into account not only their income, but also their expenditure.
From October 1, all social transfers to the population will be made through the “social card”. Multifunctional social service centres will be launched in 40 districts next year to rehabilitate, recover and train people to care for people with disabilities.
A particular emphasis was placed on the support for persons with disabilities.
Uzbekistan will accede to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021. There are a number of benefits for businesses and organizations that employ people with disabilities.
However, many facilities, roads and bus stops are not adapted for the movement of persons with disabilities. Due to the lack of conditions in schools and colleges, parents are forced to send their children with disabilities to distant specialized boarding schools, which is very difficult for both the family and the child.
A national system for the training, employment and participation of people with disabilities in sport is now being established. In order to create a barrier-free environment for the education and work of persons with disabilities, the practice of “determining work capacity” will be discontinued. Disability will not be determined by illness, but by the individual’s ability to move, communicate and participate in social life.
Medical rehabilitation units will be established in district central hospitals. The range of prostheses will increase from 18 to 30 types, the allocated funds will increase by 1.5 times, and prostheses will be provided in electronic form. Such prostheses can be purchased at home, online or through the “Inson” centre, choosing any manufacturer.
Projects for the construction of buildings and structures will necessarily be examined in order to create a comfortable environment for people with disabilities. Measures will be taken to create a barrier-free environment in public transport, at bus stops and junctions.
Entrepreneurs with 50% disabled employees will be able to contract directly with government clients. Four specialized schools will be linked to the industries. Products made by people with disabilities in home and handicraft production will be sold through an electronic platform.
It has been decided to create the Association of Sports Development of Persons with Disabilities, they will be involved in mass sports, starting with mahallas. The importance of creating artistic works that inspire and motivate people in need of social protection was noted.
Responsibilities for the education of children without parental care have also been defined.
Henceforth, social workers at the makhalla level will deal with issues of tutorship and guardianship and care for children left without parental care. To this end, the trusteeship commissions attached to the khokimiyat will be abolished and their powers will be transferred to the “Inson” centres from August 1.
A «specialized foster family» system will be introduced for the adoption of orphans and children left without care. Care groups will be gradually established in 160 specialized educational institutions.
The support system for young people without parental care will also change. Support under the “Accompanying Youth” programme will now be provided to such young people up to the age of 23.
Centres for social and legal assistance to minors in the system of the Ministry of the Interior will be reorganized into “schools of life”. These will be comprehensive institutions that will help children with a difficult upbringing to adapt to society.
The system of accommodation for orphans and children without parental care will also be reviewed. The “Inson” centres will draw up a list of young people in need of accommodation. The cost of housing will be determined on the basis of market value, taking into account regional characteristics.
The responsible officials have been instructed to provide housing for orphans on the waiting list.
It was noted that not all women and children who have been victims of violence are rehabilitated. A separate system will be set up at the makhalla level. In order to support young mothers in difficult situations and to prevent social orphanhood, a service called “House of Mothers” will be established. In addition, 24-hour clinics will be opened in district hospitals to provide medical and psychological support to victims of violence.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister, senior officials and khokims reported on their plans to organize a new work system.
“If we want to ensure social justice and respect for human dignity in our society, we need to effectively establish a new system on the ground, providing support and motivation to people in need”, – the President said.