Monday, 16 September 2019
Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan holds meeting of Council on Demographic Situation Improvement
On September 16, the Council on Improvement of Demographic Situation (CIDS) held a regular meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan. The Deputy Prime Minister addressed the event with opening remarks, in which he stated:
“Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to welcome you to this regular CIDS meeting.
As you may know, the government is committed to the program on ensuring demographic stability and stimulating birth rate in the country. At the same time, improving the demographic situation is not an end in itself for the government. This is conditioned by the country’s military, economic and social security status. Therefore, this issue is high on our agenda.
On the other hand, the negative trends recorded in the demographic sphere in the previous period are very worrying. Given all this, our policy will be revolutionary because the problem of such multi-layered and deep-rooted issues can only be overcome by innovative and fundamental solutions.
Let me tell you what steps have been taken so far. Understandably, the issue cannot be addressed without in-depth analysis, which is why during the Council’s previous meetings we touched upon demographic forecasts, strategic foundations and best international practice. The demographic problems facing our country have been raised. Today we already have the necessary facts and analysis to move from the preparatory phase to the realization of practical steps.
It is also clear to us that we cannot wait long for the results of reforms to be made because of the urgency of the topic. Consequently, measures to improve the demographic situation should be implemented starting the first half of 2020.
Dear attendees,
Let us start with the discussion of the programs already outlined. Based on the analysis, we have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to develop and implement new programs for encouraging births, supporting young families and families with children, where necessary, as well as updating the existing programs.
Target programs will also be developed for repatriated families, with a primary focus on young families and families with children.
In this regard I would like to inform you that I have instructed the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to develop and submit proposals to the relevant authorities for the following:
• Possible options for revision of the cash benefit system, in particular the one-time child benefit and the care allowance;
• Providing day care for children in preschool and school settings;
• Additional housing support for young families.
We will touch upon these program proposals and their possible implementation today.”
During the meeting, program proposals on improving the systems of lump-sum child benefits and allowances, expanding the scope of child care services and physical access to preschools were discussed. Reference was also made to the proposal aimed at enhancing access to housing for young families and families with children.
Summing up the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, Education, Science, Culture and Sport and Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as the Urban Development Committee Chairman to finalize the aforementioned program proposals, as well as to submit new proposals and packages following today’s discussion.
