The Government of the Republic of Armenia

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan introduced newly appointed minister Arthur Grigoryan to the staff of RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Speaking about the new appointment, Tigran Sargsyan stated in part: “Our coalition partners decided to change the minister based on Mr. Mnatsakanyan’s application, which was accepted according to the coalition agreement.”

The newly appointed minister thanked the head of government for trust and promised to make his best for the fulfillment of ministry programs and functions.

The Prime Minister called attention on the tasks set for this year: “Pension reform will call for serious professional effort backed by other ministries, government departments and international organizations. Social services and welfare benefits, in particular, represent another key area of activity. Together, we have made a crucial decision to raise benefits starting from the fourth quarter of 2010, which is of utmost importance to us.”

Referring to the Control Chamber-conducted checkups in marzes, the Prime Minister answered the queries as to whether welfare benefits used to reach the target layers in line with the established criteria. Numerous irregularities were said to have been identified during the checks carried out by the Control Chamber, inclusive of falsified references, forged documents and so on: “As a result, benefits have been earmarked to such households as should not have been on the list. A clear-cut task is being set before the ministry and the newly appointed minister: work in this area should be improved with increased efficiency in welfare programs. This is the principled approach of the President of Armenia. Therefore, any waste in financial assets and neglect of the needs of vulnerable families cannot be tolerated any longer,” the head of government said expressing conviction that Arthur Grigoryan’s operational experience gained when on Control Chamber will help him cope with these tasks.