President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on additional measures to improve social protection.
The country remains committed to its principle of being a welfare state and continuously works towards supporting its citizens by expanding and enhancing social services.
One of the main objectives is to create favorable conditions for individuals with disabilities. As a solution, a transition to a digitalized system for identifying disabilities has been proposed.
According to the proposal, this new system will first be implemented in Tashkent city and Navoi region, followed by a gradual rollout in all regions by September 1, 2025. Family doctors will electronically submit medical documents to the Expert Commission, and assessments will be conducted by staff at Inson centers, using adapted criteria from the World Health Organization. Along with determining disability, a rehabilitation program and information on the need for prosthetics will also be provided.
The process of obtaining recommendations for professional rehabilitation, education, sports, and establishing disability will be abolished, and instead, a personalized approach will be taken for work, sports, and education.
The proposal also includes expanding safe and barrier-free movement for individuals with disabilities. As a result, all new and renovated buildings will undergo mandatory inspections for accessibility. Additionally, at least 10% of funds from the Safe Road and Safe Pedestrian Fund will be allocated annually for the construction and equipping of intersections, taking into account the needs of individuals with disabilities. An electronic interactive map of accessible facilities will also be established.
Only buses that are adapted for individuals with disabilities will be eligible for public transport tenders. In city public transport, services will be provided free of charge for individuals with group I disabilities. Efforts will also be made to involve individuals with disabilities in cultural and entertainment events.
Another proposal presented was the “Inson” project, which aims to integrate vulnerable populations into society and is supported by the World Bank. As part of this project, 55 multifunctional regional service centers will be established, providing 20 types of social services. Additionally, four exemplary centers for inclusive vocational education will be set up in Tashkent, Fergana, and Samarkand.
The system’s 5,000 employees will undergo advanced training in social work, and a flexible regulatory framework for social services and assistance will be developed.
Another innovation in the system will be the introduction of a “social card”. This will fully automate the process of assigning, providing, monitoring, and evaluating social payments, subsidies, services, and assistance. The “social card” will serve as both a means of payment and proof of eligibility for social support.
This process will first be implemented in Tashkent city and the Yangiyul district, followed by other regions in the coming year. This will combine 72 types of social services, 76 types of assistance, and around 200 benefits into a single electronic system, eliminating the need for paper documents and saving time and money. The complete digitalization of the system will also result in the introduction of a “social digital passport” for each family, reflecting their needs and capabilities.
The President instructed for the development and effective implementation of relevant documents to provide assistance to those in need and help them realize their potential in life.
UzA