ArmInfo. Balanced and sustainable community development is one of the Armenian government's key program priorities. Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan stated this on November 11 at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the local self-government system.
According to the government's press service, congratulating those present on the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the local self-government system, the Deputy Prime Minister
noted that this day is an excellent opportunity to highlight the role of local self-government in public life as one of the pillars of democratic governance, deepening public participation, and strengthening statehood.
"The legislative framework adopted on November 10, 1996, cemented the beginning of the decentralization of power and the formation of local democratic institutions in Armenia. Over the past three decades, the system has undergone important stages of development, forming a stable and effective institutional foundation for local self-government." As a result of the reforms implemented since 2015, the process of forming viable communities has begun, the powers and capabilities of local self-government bodies have expanded, the quality of public services has improved, and their accessibility has become more accessible to the population. "Balanced and sustainable community development is one of the important program priorities of our government," stated Tigran Khachatryan. He added that the policy pursued in this direction has had a number of important consequences. Since 2018, state subsidy programs have been implemented, combining state and community resources to implement priority economic programs for community life. Mechanisms for calculating financial equalization subsidies have been improved, aimed at mitigating differences in the economic and financial capabilities of communities and ensuring a more balanced distribution of state resources. "Communities' ability to increase their own revenues has significantly expanded, resulting in community property taxes enabling them to implement economic and social programs several times more effectively," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
According to him, numerous schools, preschools, educational, cultural, and sports centers are currently being built and reconstructed in all communities, equipped with brand-new buildings and equipment. Roads are being built and reconstructed, and water supply, drainage, irrigation, and night-time lighting systems are being modernized.
"Our approach is clear: investment in the development of public utility infrastructure must continually expand, contributing to the economic strengthening of the state, enhancing the competitiveness of our economy, and strengthening stability." Reforms aimed at developing public utility companies are ongoing. They should be further deepened, leveraging the advantages of modern information technology and digital management systems to improve the efficiency of utility management and make the services provided more accessible. "Utilities are the first link where citizens directly interact with government agencies and their services, and everything possible must be done to save people's time and provide the best possible solutions to their problems. Therefore, strengthening citizens' trust in the state and public institutions depends, first and foremost, on the quality of utility management and the professionalism and responsibility of their staff. Strong utilities are one of the most important foundations for strengthening the state," the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia concluded.
