Friday, 24 February 2012
The State Set To Tackle Causes Behind Social Inequality
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan participated in the “Child and family welfare in Armenia through integrated social services” conference.
The Prime Minister presented the fundamentals of his government’s new social policy as developed with the United Nations’ and World Bank’s technical assistance.
Considering the introduction of integrated social services as a priority, Tigran Sargsyan said pilot projects have been successfully implemented based on the concept, which demonstrate the effectiveness of this service.
“Our goal is to have such social offices and service staff as would deliver one-stop-shop services. They should be well aware of all the problems facing vulnerable households in order to address their basic and primary needs,” Tigran Sargsyan stated.
The Prime Minister advised that the State is shifting from the policy of extra incomes toward a policy of building human capacity for vulnerable families.
According to the head of government, social inequality is mainly due to two reasons: lack of employment and education inaccessibility.
“Public funds will be used to provide education and employment for vulnerable households,” Tigran Sargsyan said.
Surveys have shown that only 10% of children from vulnerable families get higher education, while 82% of university students come from well-off families.
“As it seems to be the most important cause of social inequality, the State must deal with vulnerable children’s educational costs mediating the State order. The lack of money should not prevent them from following on their education,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
