Increase Funding for Persons with Disabilities Needs to 2 Billion Drams from This Year's Approximately 900 Million

In 2021, social sector expenditures are projected at 503 billion drams, while for 2022, we propose to increase expenditures to 550 billion drams. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mesrop Arakelyan, during a session of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Health and Social Issues, discussing the preliminary version of the draft law on the state budget for 2022.

He mentioned that approximately 90 percent of social expenses consist of pensions, benefits, salaries, and other mandatory payments. According to the minister, the budget changes are linked to the fluctuations in the number of beneficiaries. It is intended to separate the support for large families from the low-income sector, for which funding is proposed to be increased by about 6.5 billion drams.

Arakelyan noted that changes are anticipated in employment programs. The minister revealed that the programs have been evaluated, resulting in the discontinuation of five programs, while others are undergoing modifications, with a focus on support provided to employers.

He indicated that for the next year's budget, it is proposed to double the funding directed towards the needs of persons with disabilities to 2 billion drams instead of the approximately 900 million of this year to make the support more targeted and quality-oriented, thus allowing persons with disabilities to integrate more fully into public life.

Concerning compensation for deposits, due to the increase in the number of beneficiaries, a 25 percent increase in expenses is proposed, amounting to around 1 billion drams. Starting from 2022, according to the minister, there are plans to implement a program to provide housing for socially vulnerable families. It is proposed to increase expenditures in this direction by 2 billion drams each year.

The Minister of Social Affairs noted that from the next year, six independent living centers will operate in the regions of the republic, which are intended to support individuals who have acquired disabilities during military service.