President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday reviewed a presentation on the activities of mahallas (neighborhood committees) and proposed the establishment of a National Institute for Mahalla Development.

The institute will operate in coordination with the Academy of Public Administration, which possesses significant scientific potential. It will focus on scientific analysis of reforms in the mahalla system, studying and disseminating best practices, and developing practical recommendations for the effective organization of mahalla “sevens” (working groups).

Through this system, 21,000 mahalla workers and “seven” members will undergo annual professional development. By year-end, the government aims to provide permanent employment for 1 million people, lift 181,000 families out of poverty, increase the number of poverty-free mahallas 2.5 times to 3,500, and reduce unemployment and poverty rates to 4.5%.

An additional 200 billion soums will be allocated to the Republican Mahalla Fund to support mahallas. Permanent income sources worth 300 billion soums will also be created. Specifically, a portion of fines for sanitary violations and illegal construction within mahalla territories will be directed to mahalla budgets.

The share of land and property tax revenues retained by mahallas will increase from 10% to 15%. Mahallas will also retain proceeds from leasing vacant spaces and selling certain buildings. These funds will primarily finance programs for repairing internal roads, constructing pedestrian paths, building children's and sports facilities, creating mahalla parks, and providing employment for needy families.

Additionally, separate efforts will be organized to train 245,000 citizens who have strayed into criminal activity, teaching them professions and crafts to facilitate their return to full social life.

Source: uznews.uz