Uzbekistan has set a goal to cut poverty level to 7% in the coming three years from current 11%. This was noted at the presentation of the proposals on improvement of the system of poverty reduction and social protection to the president Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 14 August.
According to official data, in 2020 the poverty level was estimated at 17%. Since then, living conditions have improved for more than 3 million people who had previously been in difficult situation, the president’s press service said.
The current system lacks clear criteria for defining poverty, a holistic approach to lifting families out of poverty and distributing resources, it was said at the meeting.
The National agency for social protection has been entrusted with establishing criteria for defining poverty, and a register of persons and families with high risk of falling into poverty. This status will be attached by mahallas, local self-governing bodies.
All social services and aid to bring people out of poverty will be provided by Inson centers under the Social protection agency. Each family should receive individual aid.
Every year, the state allocates 14 trillion soums (over $1,1 billion) to fight poverty, it was said at the presentation. These funds are distributed via 40 types of financial instruments by 10 different bodies. To reduce duplication and differing approach, the system is going to be changed.
Now, the funds will be allocated by the Social protection agency and hokimiyats (local administrations) depending on the number of low-income families. The money will go to bringing families out of poverty in the first place, it was announced.
Instead of reserving workplaces for needy people, tax incentives will be introduced for entrepreneurs employing such people. The special centers will teach low-income citizens professions in the service sector.
