Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 19 April, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference on improving the effectiveness of the system of work in the context of mahallas and ensuring employment of the population.

The fulfillment of these tasks largely depends on the economy of the regions. Therefore, it is planned to allocate more than US$500 million and over 2 trillion soums for the development of entrepreneurship. At the same time, measures have been taken on issues that are of most concern to entrepreneurs: tax administration has been simplified, the procedure for issuing permits and conducting inspections has been facilitated.

The meeting discussed measures for economic development and solving social problems of mahallas, organizing this work at the grassroots level. 

In accordance with the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 3 December 2021, each mahalla established the position of assistant khokim of the district (city) for the development of entrepreneurship, employment and poverty reduction. This is a completely new system, the correct organization of which is of great importance today. 

In this regard, the meeting considered the first results of the activities of assistant khokims. It was noted that in three months they conducted a study of 6 million 900 thousand households and divided them into 4 categories. 11 percent of households turned out to be low-income, 47 percent - in need of additional income, 6 percent - in need of social protection, 36 percent - self-sufficient families. Based on the results of the study, local leaders were able to organize targeted work and help thousands of citizens find jobs and undergo vocational training. 

In the first three months of this year, on the initiative of assistant khokims, 50,000 family business projects received 1.3 trillion soums of loans and 20 billion soums of subsidies. As a result, 47,000 new entrepreneurs opened their own business, and 8,000 small production and service projects were launched. 

The head of state instructed to encourage assistant khokims who showed the best results.

At the same time, in many mahallas, the work of assistant khokims is not felt. For example, in mahallas, the unemployment rate exceeds 20 percent.

Such districts were listed at the meeting, and their khokims were warned. Deputy khokims, heads of sectors of a number of districts and cities have been relieved of their posts.

- There is no place among us for leaders who do not work for the benefit of families, who do not understand the principle "in the name of honor and dignity, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Instructions were given to improve the situation in mahallas, the situation in which was recognized as unsatisfactory based on the results of the study. 800 billion soums will be allocated for this by optimizing budget spending.

It was emphasized that from now on each mahalla will receive support based on its specialization.

Thus, 2.5 thousand mahallas specialize in animal husbandry, poultry farming, fishing and beekeeping. If they are provided with additional support and provide enterprising residents with incubators, domestic chickens, bee hives, the incomes of the population will increase.

In general, at least 140 thousand people can be employed in animal husbandry, poultry farming, fish farming and beekeeping, it was noted at the meeting.

The importance of expanding small industries in mahallas, such as handicrafts, sewing, shoemaking, confectionery and confectionery, was indicated. The President approved the initiative to create micro-industrial centers in mahallas for this purpose.

This year, 500 billion soums will be allocated for these purposes, the centers will be exempted from paying land tax and property tax for a period of 5 years. 

It was also noted that for the effective use of unused structures identified on the ground, the proceeds from their sale or lease should be directed to the development of mahalla infrastructure.

Homework is a good opportunity to provide employment for women and persons with disabilities. To this end, today the President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution on ensuring employment of the population through the development of home-based work.

Entrepreneurs working with home workers will receive 500 billion soums from the family entrepreneurship program, as well as a guarantee from the Entrepreneurship Fund in the amount of 75 percent and compensation for part of the loan costs exceeding 10 percent.

Homeworkers themselves will be able to pay only social tax as self-employed citizens, and wages for the first month of work in remote areas will be covered by the state.

Khokims of the regions were instructed to provide employment for the socially vulnerable population, effectively using these opportunities.

More than 2 thousand mahallas in the country specialize in services. In this regard, the need to organize retail and service centers in mahallas with a population of more than 20 thousand people was emphasized. These centers will also be exempt from paying land and property tax for a period of 5 years.

During the videoconference, the khokims and their assistants presented information on the plans for the work of mahallabay and employment of the population.