Uzbekistan is preparing a new package of measures to develop its social protection system. The plans include expanding access to education for children with disabilities, changing the approach to helping the homeless and victims of human trafficking, and transitioning transport benefits to a digital format. These proposals were presented at a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
It was noted that over the past years, the system has expanded significantly: the number of types of social services has increased from 23 to 140, and annual coverage has reached 4.6 million cases, almost half of which are provided at the neighborhood (mahalla) level. The authorities now intend to go further and close existing gaps.
Particular attention is paid to children with special educational needs. Today, the country has more than 168,000 children with disabilities, but about 34,600 of them are not involved in the education system. To solve this problem, targeted work with families will be introduced — each child's needs will be assessed at an early stage and suitable learning conditions will be selected. A pilot launch is scheduled for October 2026 in the Khorezm and Navoi regions.
Starting from the new academic year, individual educational programs will be introduced in special schools. Blind teachers and primary classes will be provided with assistants and helpers. Private schools that open correctional classes near children's places of residence will be able to count on subsidies, and the best initiatives will receive grants annually.
From 2027, it is planned to introduce a voucher system to provide children with assistive technologies — from text-reading devices to Braille displays. Additionally, extra conditions will be created for people with disabilities during exams: more time, assistance from assistants, and sign language interpreters.
Changes will also affect people without a fixed place of residence. Existing rehabilitation institutions will be transformed into temporary accommodation and social reintegration centers. There, each person will be helped to restore documents, receive treatment, learn a profession, and find a job. Employment support mechanisms will also appear, including training vouchers and job quotas.
A separate block of proposals is aimed at helping victims of human trafficking. From September 2026, a system for assessing their situation will be launched through the "Inson" centers, with subsequent referral to necessary services. The network of rehabilitation centers for women and children will also be expanded, increasing the number of places.
In parallel, it is proposed to introduce separate criminal liability for child trafficking and to restrict the activities of persons involved in such crimes.
Another important direction is simplifying preferential travel. Currently, more than 48,000 people use it, and in the future, the system will become fully digital. Paper tickets will be abolished, and the right to benefits will be confirmed via an ID card or biometric passport. From 2027, discounted tickets will be available for purchase online through the Baraka app.
The President approved the proposed measures and instructed to thoroughly work out their implementation. Now, relevant agencies will have to prepare the necessary documents and ensure the phased introduction of new social support mechanisms across the country.
Source: podrobno.uz