Vigen Sargsyan: Compulsory component of draft law "on 1000 AMD" to be  left unchanged  

ArmInfo.The compulsory component of the draft law "On compensation for harm to life or health of servicemen defending the Republic of Armenia" that implies Armenian citizens' monthly contributions worth 1,000 AMD to the special account will be left unchanged, Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan said at the extraordinary sitting of the Armenian Standing Parliamentary Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs.      

"The compulsory component will allow increasing the means transferred  to the relevant Fund, which will operate under a simple and clear  mechanism. This will enhance the public confidence in the Fund," the  minister said. He added that measures will be taken to attract more  tangible funds, in addition to the citizens' contribution.        

Sargsyan noted that the draft law will be slightly amended. In  particular, the Fund will be exempted from profit tax, VAT, as well  as state duties and other payments stipulated by the legislation. He  said that no restrictions or arrest can be imposed on the Fund.   

To note, on November 17, the Armenian Parliament approved the draft  law on "On compensation for harm to life or health of servicemen  defending the Republic of Armenia" in the first reading. The document  was largely criticized by the society. A lot of experts, politicians  and representatives of civil society expressed opinion that at first  the funds stolen from the army should be returned and the leadership  of the Armed Forces should be punished. To recall, if the Armenian  Parliament adopts the draft law, the specified Fund will be set up.  Armenian Minister of Defense Vigen Sargsyan has recently reported to  the President of Armenia on the commencement of a new program  initiated and tasked by President Sargsyan, on the steep increase in  payments of state insurance (a onetime as well as monthly payments)  for the families of the servicemen killed or handicapped in military  actions or in the course of military duty.  The Armenian President's  press office reported that the families of the killed and first  degree handicapped individuals will receive a onetime compensation of  10 million AMD. The families of the second degree handicapped  servicemen will receive a onetime compensation of 5 million AMD.  Monthly compensations in case of death of the serviceman or the first  degree handicap will make 300,000 AMD for the officers, 250,000 AMD  for the junior officers and 200,000 for the privates. In case of  becoming the second degree handicap, the compensations will  respectively make 200,000; 150,000; and 100,000 AMD. That amount, in  the form of insurance benefit, will be paid out for 20 years, which  will make 82 million AMD for the officers, 70 million AMD for the  junior officer staff, and 58 million AMD for the privates. The  program will be financed through a special fund to which every  working person will monthly contribute one thousand AMD.