RA engaged in organization of social services

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The Armenian Government and the World Bank will hold joint discussions over the ways of enhancing the system of social benefits. This will enable us to ensure that assistance is provided to target groups, and there is no drain of resources," Tigran Sargsyan said at "Social Impact of the Economic Crisis on Armenia" conference. According to the Prime Minister, the check-ups conducted by relevant agencies reveal cases when people use every possible method to be included in socially insecure families' list. "Nevertheless, we've worked out a system which aims to reveal socially insecure families and provide them with relevant assistance."



The Prime Minister noted that as a result of declining economy, there is now an increase in the number of socially insecure families. "World Bank-provided funds will be directed at the implementation of social programs."



In that context, Mr. Sargsyan noted AMD 700 million were allocated from the State Budget for the implementation of relevant programs. However, as shown by studies, communities fail to make an effective and purposeful use of such resources. "In its recent meeting, RA Government made a decision to introduce changes to the system to promote a more effective use of allocated sums," he said. Mr. Sargsyan said that apart from budgetary allocations, the communities will also receive funding under the WB financial program for organization of public work. The changes stipulate for Community Heads to submit feasible programs of public services. "We must also have the opportunity to conduct check-ups, so as the activities for which we have spent sums are accomplished," he said. Key issues within the frameworks of those programs are the problems of ecology, particularly those concerning waste disposal. "In the end of 2009 our population will be able to assess the results of our activities.



Touching upon social programs, Tigran Sarsgyan spoke of healthcare system as another sphere of primary importance. "Expenses in the sphere should guarantee the protection of the vulnerable groups of society."



As regards the system of education, RA Government is discussing a new approach that will give children from socially insecure families a primary advantage to study free of charge.



"That question too, is in the centre of our attention, and issue of funding the higher education system may be thoroughly reviewed in 2009," the premier announced.



According to the Prime Minister, social issues are of crucial importance, especially in view of the deteriorating economic conditions, since they have special role in developing a "friendly atmosphere" in Armenia and raising our country's resistibility to the impacts of the global crisis.

"Populism is very dangerous under the circumstances. Some politicians are trying take advantage of the current situation by making unfounded statements in an attempt to raise their political rating," Sargsyan said.



The premier noted that such behavior does not in any way help provide an effective solution to social problems.