Granting targeted social aid system is changed in Azerbaijan

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection will start fulfillment of targeted social assistance programs in 3 more regions.

Main adviser of the ministry Babek Huseynov said that it was considered to attract 90 families to this program. After nearly 5-6 months the ministry will view results of these families to take part in the projects. On the basis of these results amendments will be made in the legislation in connection with targeted social assistance. The amendments are considered to apply from next year.

To him, it is planned to give targeted social assistance in two forms – only once and monthly. At present, these aids are given to families monthly. But if amendments are confirmed, then only once targeted social assistance will be applied: "That is, the family will be given big sum of social aid. This amount is expected to be AZN 1500. The main purpose of it is engagement of families in individual labor activity and elimination of poverty by developing personal business. Employment of families will be provided with this project. They will be able to work at their own work places. Sometimes, this assistance is assessed as microcredit. But it is not so. This means are given to citizens disinterestedly. Obligation of citizens is to present business plan and show activity which they will be engaged in. the families must spend the amount in a right way. Another novelty is that public councils will help in selection of these families".

Huseynov said that number and period of documents need for targeted social assistance will not decrease in the amendments to be made in legislation. Documents for initial appeal have been reduced enough. At present, 9 documents are needed. But according to calculations, each family must present 5-6 documents during initial appeal. And it is very normal. Assistance is given for 3-6 months in several countries. But in some countries, as well as in Azerbaijan, it is given for one year".

He noted that at present, nearly 122 000 families receive targeted social assistance in the country. From April, families are distributed plastic cards by International Bank and Kapital Bank.


/APA/