New Support Programs for Families with Children Must Be Established: Avinyan

On September 16, a meeting of the Council for Improving Demographic Situations was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan. According to the government press service, Tigran Avinyan delivered a speech in which he stated:

“Dear colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you to the next meeting of the Council for Improving Demographic Situations. As you know, the government has committed to ensuring the stability of the demographic situation and encouraging an increase in birth rates.

At the same time, improving the demographic situation is not an end in itself for the government. It is a condition for both the military and economic and social security of the state. Therefore, this issue is one of our priorities. On the other hand, the negative trends recorded in the demographic field in recent times are very concerning. Taking all this into account, our policy will be revolutionary, because such a multi-layered and deeply rooted problem can only be overcome with innovative and fundamental solutions.

I would like to present the steps taken so far. It is evident that the fundamental issue cannot be addressed without in-depth analysis, which is why during the previous meetings of the Council for Improving Demographic Situations, we have touched upon predictions of the demographic situation, strategic principles, and international best practices. We have highlighted the demographic challenges facing our country. Today, we already have the necessary facts and analyses to move from the preparatory phase to the implementation of practical steps.

It is also clear to us that, due to the urgency of the topic, we cannot wait long for the results of the reforms being carried out. Therefore, measures aimed at improving the demographic situation should be implemented starting from the first half of next year, 2020.

Dear attendees, let us proceed to the discussion of the already outlined programs. As a result of the analyses conducted, we have concluded that it is necessary to develop and implement new programs for encouraging birth rates and supporting young families with children, within which existing programs will also be reviewed as necessary. Targeted programs will be developed for repatriated families, prioritizing young families with children.

In this regard, I would like to inform you that I have instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to develop and present program proposals for consideration by the involved parties in the following directions: possible options for revising the system of cash benefits, particularly the one-time childbirth allowance and childcare allowance, ensuring long-term care for children in preschool and school institutions, supplementary housing assistance for young families with children and those without children.

We will focus today on these program proposals and their potential implementation issues.” During the meeting, discussions were held regarding program proposals aimed at improving the one-time childbirth allowance and childcare allowance systems, expanding children's care services, and addressing the physical accessibility of preschool educational institutions.

Reference was also made to program proposals aimed at expanding the availability of housing support for young families with children, as well as young families without children. Summarizing the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, and Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as the Chairman of the Urban Development Committee, to refine the above program proposals and present new proposals and packages based on the outcomes of the discussions.