ArmInfo.The current system of state benefits does not contribute to the economic activity of Armenian citizens. On January 16, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this at a government meeting.
For this reason, as the head of government noted, there was a need for a new system, the development of which, in addition to ministries of social welfare, other departments should be involved. The task was set, continued Nikol Pashinyan, so that disability citizens who for objective reasons have disabilities received state benefits. As for the able-bodied ones, as the prime minister noted, it is necessary to create conditions under which employment will become more profitable for them than receiving state benefits so that they are interested in working and not in state assistance. The project, according to Nikol Pashinyan, is still under discussion. Particular attention in the development of a conceptual document should be given to families with children, meeting their educational needs and creating conditions for training and work in order to increase knowledge and skills. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that public hearings would be held on the documents being drafted so that the country's public, along with the authorities, would be involved in this process.
Recall that on the eve of the government the concept of a new system was discussed, which provides for the transition from a consumption system to a system of guaranteed or minimum guaranteed income. A vulnerability assessment and social assistance system will address four social needs: material security, health, education and housing. The methodology developed for this purpose was also discussed, an analysis of scenarios of possible impacts and expected results of the new system was presented. It was noted that the new income-based valuation method takes into account factors such as family employment, demographic potential, the minimum consumer basket, the informal economy and others.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed to continue discussions and expand the working group to discuss options for incorporating education and healthcare components into the concept.