Putin encourages maximum engagement of NGOs in social services
01/12/2016
Within the framework of the Russian President’s annual address to the Federal Assembly, he called for the removal of barriers to the development of volunteer organisations and for the provision of comprehensive assistance to socially oriented non-commercial organisations.
President of the RF Vladimir Putin instructed that the government work together with the legislative authorities to complete the formation of a clear legal framework for the activities of non-commercial organisations – “providers of socially significant services.” It is necessary to “establish requirements in terms of their competence, without creating additional red tape, of course”, said the head of state in the annual address to the Federal Assembly.
“I ask you not to be, as they say, greedy, to refrain from working only with state-run institutions, and enable non-profit organisations to provide social services as much as possible. It is very important to establish cordial relations with people. I propose that we all keep an eye on these issues,” said the President.
Putin also asked the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives “to become proactive in supporting volunteer organisations, charities and non-commercial organisations.” He highlighted that it is necessary to remove all barriers that undermine the development of the volunteer movement, and also provide every assistance socially oriented non-commercial organisations might need. “The will and generosity of citizens who participate in such projects, form the much-needed atmosphere of Russian general affairs, creating enormous social potential, and this will always be in demand,” the President said.
The Head of State called for representatives of the authorities “not to hide in your offices” and “not to fear dialogue with people”. It is necessary “to value the demanding, concerned position of citizens”, the President highlighted, “to go and meet them, to speak with them honestly and openly and to support their initiatives. This is particularly important on urban development issues and matters concerning preserving historical appearance and creating a modern living environment.
Last year, within the address to the Federal Assembly, Putin raised the issue of sending up to 10% of the resources of regional and municipal programmes to provide social services provided by non-commercial organisations. At the end of 2015 the President gave an instruction to ensure the introduction of changes to the legislation providing the possibility of granting NGOs the status of “providers of socially significant services” and the provision of benefits and preferences to such organisations. The law on “providers of socially significant services” will come into force from 1 January 2017.
