6.5 Billion Dram Support to be Provided for 90,000 Registered Residents in Artsakh

The Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reports that it has allocated 6.5 billion drams in financial support for approximately 90,000 citizens registered in Artsakh, who represent nearly 98% of the actual beneficiaries.

The current data of the program was summarized by Minister Mesrop Arakelyan during a press conference held on December 25.

“In the post-war situation, the staff of the ministry is almost entirely involved in addressing the social issues arising from the war. By the government’s decision, we have 15 social assistance measures aimed mainly at temporarily resolving the social issues of citizens affected by the war,” the minister stated.

Arakelyan informed that under the second program for supporting Artsakh residents, out of a possible 30,000 beneficiaries, 5,000 have already received assistance of 300,000 drams. Additionally, residents of border communities in Armenia whose real estate was damaged during the war have received compensation totaling around 50 million drams.

Starting today, two reception programs for Artsakh residents will also begin. Citizens hosting Artsakh residents will receive 30,000 drams per adult in Armenia, and 45,000 drams in Artsakh.

In January, two programs aimed at providing temporary employment for Artsakh residents will start. Under the first program, an Artsakh resident undergoing training at an employer's site will receive 100,000 drams, while those engaged in public works in communities will earn 8,000 drams per day.

According to Arakelyan, the ministry has launched a rapid response platform for applications and complaints, through which applications from citizens not included in social support will be double-checked. “There are cases, for example, when people have actually lived in a given area but have had some documentation issues. We will review these electronically with our partners in Artsakh, and a decision will be made after the double-checking process,” the minister said.

He noted that with co-financing from Armenia, the government of Artsakh compensates for the costs of utility services (electricity and gas) for September, October, and November 2020, with the program set to continue into 2021.

“In addition, comprehensive programs are being implemented for co-financing pension and benefit payments for Artsakh residents, amounting to 940 million drams. Beneficiaries receive their support through both Haypost and Artsakhpost, with most of them receiving funds from Artsakhpost. According to our analyses, nearly all citizens who have maintained their residence in Artsakh have returned,” Arakelyan stated.

The minister also shared impressions from his visit to Artsakh, assuring that returning Artsakh residents continue to live with the willingness to create and build.