We Should Not Remove the Eye Instead of Fixing the Eyebrow: We Will Have Issues with Social Workers - Zohrapyan

Anna Zakaryan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, presented a proposed amendment to the law during a special session of the National Assembly, aimed at creating a unified comprehensive social service under a single window.

The new structure, according to the project’s presenter, will ensure the full implementation of social services. While Prosperous Armenia Party MP Naira Zohrapyan welcomed the initiative, she described it as incomplete and uncoordinated: "The idea is certainly acceptable; a citizen should not have to go to ten places to solve one problem. However, how will a citizen with disabilities from Avan reach the other end of the city to benefit from this single window?"

She noted that this has been one of the most corrupt links for years and that it needs to be revamped, but the system is not truly ready: "A vivid example is when deceased individuals were receiving pensions or going to vote. We should not remove the eye instead of fixing the eyebrow; we will have issues with social workers. How many people will lose their jobs?"

In response to Zohrapyan's questions, the Deputy Minister assured that the number of people losing their jobs due to such changes will be minimal: "The fear of being unprepared has prevented this system from being launched for many years. We will have a reduction of 135 positions, which is a relatively low figure under such significant changes."

For the unified social service system, the ministry will not attract new credit resources; the funds have been in place since 2014 and only their deadlines have been extended. The resources are aimed at ensuring building conditions, the process of retraining social workers, and technical means.

The parliament approved the proposed amendment in the first reading with a result of 99 votes in favor and 0 against. The second reading is scheduled for later today.