NGOs engaged in military-patriotic
education are to be equated with socially oriented NGOs

A
bill has been introduced in the State Duma for the above purpose. United Russia
deputy  Aleksei Zhuravlev had already
proposed corresponding amendments to the NGOs Law on 7 February. The
explanatory memorandum states: ‘If the bill is enacted it will provide a legal
basis for supporting NGOs that are engaged in implementation of state policy
regarding the military/patriotic education of citizens, instilling feelings of patriotism
and promoting loyalty amongst the younger generation towards the country of
their birth as well as readiness to serve the fatherland and take up arms in
its defence’.

The
bill’s promoters consider that the amendments to be introduced will further the
study of the history and culture of Russia and its native lands, participation
in arranging events commemorating defenders of the fatherland, and transmitting
and developing the best traditions of the Russian armed forces. Furthermore,
such NGOs will be able to combat  
political and religious extremism amongst young people, contribute to
their development and help them adopt a healthy life style, as well as playing
a part in preparing citizens for military service.  The ministry of labour had also proposed
additional support for ‘patriotic’ NGOs. In January, a bill was submitted to
the federal government concerning the allocation of grants to communal
associations and organisations actively participating in providing patriotic
education to Russians. Under the bill socially-oriented NGOs performing similar
work will be given grants out of budgetary allocations earmarked for the purpose
by  the federal ministry of economic
development.

The
idea of giving financial support to ‘patriotic’ NGOs was discussed also at the
32nd meeting of the Russian organising committee, ‘Pobeda’ (Victory). In
January two new forms of activity by socially oriented NGOs were recognised:
promoting public intolerance of corrupt behaviour, developing co-operation
between ethnic groups and preserving and championing the particular way of
life, culture, language and traditions of the different peoples of Russia.

At
the beginning of February, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia also
suggested that countering illegal immigration be included in activities
recognised as proper to socially oriented NGOs. In 2012 socially oriented NGOs
were awarded grants amounting to 162 million roubles on a competitive basis,
the average amount received by each organisation being 3.4 million roubles.
This year it is planned to allocate 930 million roubles in support of NGOs, and
in 2014 and 2015, 960 and 990 million roubles respectively.

http://www.asi.org.ru/ASI3/rws_asi.nsf/va_WebPages/CC7D0BB3B117F69C44257B0F00304831Rus