Uzbekistan Unveils Ambitious Social Protection Reforms
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev led a comprehensive meeting on February 20 to deliberate on pivotal tasks related to social protection in Uzbekistan. Emphasizing the country’s commitment to being a social state, the President highlighted the need for a radical reevaluation of the existing social protection system, which has seen minimal changes over the past three decades.
In June 2023, a decree was enacted to enhance the quality of social services and assistance, leading to the establishment of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of Uzbekistan. A thorough analysis involving experts from over ten countries underscored the necessity of reform, shifting away from a broad distribution of public funds that resulted in a portion of the population relying on assistance without seeking improvement.
President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of an individualized and professional approach to social services, advocating for targeted and effective distribution of assistance. The meeting identified key areas of focus, with particular attention given to developing social services at the neighborhood level.
Starting June 1, changes will be introduced to the procedure for determining persons in need of social protection, incorporating precise criteria and specific assistance requirements. A unified questionnaire will facilitate a more detailed understanding of residents’ needs, creating a “social portrait” of each family, with subsequent monitoring of changes post-assistance.
Notably, the reforms aim not at reducing funding but ensuring social integration and assisting individuals. Social payments will transition to the “social card” system from October 1, streamlining the process and providing more efficient support.
Addressing issues concerning persons with disabilities, President Mirziyoyev announced the creation of a national system for training, employment, and involvement in sports. A shift from determining disability based on illness to evaluating a person’s ability to act independently, communicate, and participate in social life was emphasized.
The President directed efforts to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, including adaptations in public transport and examination of projects for accessibility. Entrepreneurs employing disabled individuals will have enhanced opportunities, and specialized schools linked to industries will be established.
In a move to support children without parental care, issues of guardianship and trusteeship will be handled by social workers at the neighborhood level, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency.
The housing system for orphans and children without parental care will undergo revision, ensuring a fair cost based on market value and regional characteristics. A separate system for rehabilitating victims of violence, including the establishment of “Mother’s House” services, was announced, highlighting the commitment to social justice and human dignity.
President Mirziyoyev concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need for effective systems that provide support and motivation to those in need, fostering social justice in Uzbekistan.
