VLADIMIR NAZAROV: “TO FIGHT THE POVERTY, WE NEED A SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY LOWER-INCOME PEOPLE”

In Russia, it was proposed to introduce new payments in favor of single-parent families; this measure envisages a monthly compensation in the amount of at least two minimum subsistence wages per person. In his interview to the Govorit Moskva Radio Station, Vladimir Nazarov, Deputy Head of the International Department of Healthcare and Healthcare Reforms, Gaidar Institute, said that in calculations it is necessary to take into account the specific parent’s income and property.

“We do need to help people more, but it should be remembered whom we help to. The President has set the objective to reduce the rate of poverty by 50%, but it happens often that even those who are far from being worse off receive the money. For example, all RF citizens who have children under the age of 16, including Mr. Abramovich, have received Rb10,000. The government should help more, but specifically the poor, that is, those whose income is below the minimum subsistence level or slightly above it. Actually, the minimum subsistence level is not quite the adequate poverty line. The funds should be spent exactly on this purpose. The government is working on the system which would help identify the lower income people.”