Issues of further strengthening the mahalla system discussed

In Uzbekistan, all socio-economic programs are implemented locally, based on the population’s needs. For this purpose, mahallas had many powers, organizational and financial opportunities. A “system of five” was created, consisting of the chairman of the mahalla, an assistant to the hokim, a women’s activist, a youth leader, and a prevention inspector.

At the same time, there are shortcomings in ensuring their coordinated work and a lot of duplication in their functions. Funds allocated for social support are sometimes used ineffectively. The last word in resolving issues of the low-income population remains with departments at the regional or republican level. There are no criteria for assessing the activities of mahalla workers. They spend most of their time filling out paperwork and holding meetings.

Such shortcomings were analyzed at the meeting, and new approaches to improving and increasing the system’s efficiency were defined.

Thus, from now on, a tax officer and a social worker will be added to the management team of mahallas, thus forming the “mahalla seven”.

More than 70 issues, such as registration of the needy population, financial assistance, subsidies, and loans, will be resolved collegiately in the mahalla itself without contacting district and regional departments. In addition, funds from employment, entrepreneurship, and home-based work will be allocated directly to each mahalla.

Electronic records management will be established in the mahalla. Three existing platforms – “Online Mahalla”, “Women”, and “Youth Portal” – will be integrated into a single system.

The powers of the mahalla chairpersons will be expanded to ensure close interaction between the G7. They will have the right to make submissions on the application of incentive measures or disciplinary liability to the assistant hokim, youth leader, women’s activist, prevention inspector, tax officer, and social worker.

In this regard, responsible persons were instructed to clearly define the tasks of the “mahalla seven” and the correct orientation of their activities. The importance of involving scientific and non-governmental organizations in solving problems in mahallas was emphasized.

The organizational measures to improve the mahalla system were also defined. In particular, republican, regional, and district (city) councils for developing and supporting mahallas will be introduced. The Republican Council will be headed by the Prime Minister, and the regional councils will be led by hokims. The councils will deal with issues raised by the “mahalla seven”, including financial ones.

Responsible persons were instructed, considering all the proposals made during the discussion, to develop a draft document indicating the organizational structure, powers, and sources of financing for the sphere.

“From the first days of our activity, we have been organizing all the work directly in the mahalla, together with our people. We are gradually developing this system. Now, additional strength and opportunities are being given. This means both authority and responsibility. Mahalla is the most important support of our country”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Following the meeting, ministers and hokims, chairpersons of local mahallas, presented information on activities being carried out in the sphere and plans for further work based on new instructions.