ArmInfo.Armenian government intends to increase the efficiency of subsidy programs. At the cabinet meeting on January 31, the procedure and mechanisms for submitting applications for state subsidies were approved.
According to Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan, the decision of the executive body will provide an opportunity to achieve tangible results when implementing joint programs with communities, will increase control over the use of resources provided by the state, which, in turn, will lead to increased transparency in their use. According to the government's decision, public discussion and decisions taken on their results should be the determining factor in the provision of public funds to the communities of the country. Thus, the community residents themselves will determine priority projects. Among its priorities, the government has identified the following areas: repair and construction of roads, water supply and sewerage systems, irrigation, night lighting, gasification of communities, installation of solar panels. In addition, among the priorities are also the construction and modernization of kindergartens, cultural centers, multi-storey buildings, landscaping parks and squares, the purchase of machinery and equipment, the creation or closure of landfills. At the same time, the minimum amount of subsidies will depend on the size of the community budget. The deadline for a government decision on the allocation of subsidies is determined on May 15, and communities must submit their applications before March 15, which is necessary for the implementation of the program before the onset of winter. When purchasing machinery or equipment, it is necessary to have guarantees from the head of the community about their 10-year operation period and carrying out the necessary repairs.
The Minister stressed that 152 programs have already been implemented, totaling 1.620 billion drams. In the middle of last year the government of the country declared its willingness to provide 10 billion drams for the solution of the set tasks , however, the time limit did not allow fully use them. As expected, this year the activity of communities will be noticeable when submitting their applications. Discussions will take place on this issue next week with community leaders. Suren Papikyan stressed that, as a rule, subsidiary programs are implemented in enlarged communities with sufficient financial resources to co- finance projects. "Taking into account the co-financing factor, it can be stated that the total budget of the entire program is 20 billion drams," the head of department said, adding that priority in the provision of public funds is given to high-mountainous and border communities, which receive 60% -70% of funds as co-financing.