Uzbekistan to Strengthen Targeted Social Assistance System

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has considered in the first reading a draft law aimed at further improving the system of state social support and increasing the targeting of assistance for socially vulnerable groups.

The document provides for strengthening the rights of persons with disabilities based on international standards, as well as ensuring their equal access to justice and improving the organization of the social protection system. Special attention is given to transitioning toward a unified mechanism for providing social services and benefits.

The draft proposes introducing a unified approach to state support based on a “Social Register,” formed using data from the “Unified Social Protection Register” and the “Poor Families Register.” Under the initiative, all social payments, benefits, and services will be provided to citizens included in this register.

A separate set of amendments concerns tax incentives aimed at promoting the employment of persons with disabilities. For legal entities employing persons with disabilities of groups I and II, a social tax rate of 1% is proposed. Tax deductions are also envisaged for certain expenses related to supporting such employees.

In addition, existing tax benefits applied to the payment of educational services for children are planned to be extended to payments for family members of minors with disabilities who require constant care.

The draft law also includes additional property and land tax benefits for enterprises employing persons with disabilities. Separately, regional branches of the National Agency for Social Protection would be exempt from state fees when applying to courts in cases involving the recovery of overpaid benefits.

Following the discussion, lawmakers supported the draft law in its first reading, noting its importance for improving social policy efficiency and strengthening targeted support for the population.