The Senate of the Oliy Majlis has approved a package of legislative amendments aimed at strengthening the system of support for socially vulnerable populations. One of the main innovations is the exemption of sponsorship assistance provided to officially registered low-income families from taxation.
According to the new draft law, charitable donations will not be taxed if the designated amount does not exceed 100 basic calculation values. This measure aims to encourage entrepreneurs and individuals to provide assistance to registered needy families.
At the same time, legislative requirements for creating an inclusive environment are being strengthened. Administrative liability will be introduced for those responsible if buildings and facilities that are not equipped with the necessary infrastructure for persons with disabilities are put into operation.
This decision was made in response to numerous appeals from public organizations regarding problems with adherence to construction standards. Significant changes are also taking place in the state administration system.
The powers of the National Agency for Social Protection have been expanded. In particular, the newly established Social Inspection under the agency now has the authority to consider cases related to violations of the rights of children left without parental care, failure to properly fulfill guardianship duties, and restriction of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, administrative liability has been introduced for obstructing the activities of employees of the National Agency or ignoring their lawful orders. This norm is aimed at increasing the status and effectiveness of social workers at the local level.
The draft law also envisages a significant reduction in the financial burden for public organizations working with vulnerable groups. The state fee for registering public associations for people with disabilities, women, veterans, and children will be reduced by 50 percent.
This measure aims to increase the activity of civil society in solving social problems. These legislative initiatives are a continuation of comprehensive reforms in the social sector.
They are aimed at more accurately targeting state support and creating equal opportunities for all citizens. The previously adopted measures for vocational training and employment of persons with disabilities, as well as the introduction of individual planning systems to help low-income families escape poverty, will be supplemented by these initiatives.
The approval of the draft law by the parliament's upper chamber will ensure its entry into force in the near future. The social protection system in Uzbekistan includes not only direct monetary payments, but also various benefits such as exemption of children from low-income families from payments at state kindergartens and provision of free textbooks.
