2019-03-18
Law of Georgia on Development of High Terrain Regions envisages social incentives, which will be benefited by Bakhmaro Settlement of Chokhatauri Municipality from now on. Decision has been made by the National Council of Mountain Development at its 10th Meeting held today under the chairmanship of Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Government Administration of Georgia.
National Council of Mountain Development also held a hearing on the benefits received by the local population in 2018 within the scope of social incentives envisaged by the Law. Presentation was made by Maya Tskitishvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia.
Overall, around 69 MLN GEL has been disbursed throughout 2018 in the form of incentives envisaged by the Law. Among others, beneficiaries were the pension age people permanently dwelling in the high terrain regions; socially vulnerable groups of population of highlands; healthcare professionals living and working in high terrain regions; families that had their first and second children since the enforcement of the Law as a monthly allowance; teachers of public schools operating in high terrain regions; vocational trainers at education centers established by the state in highlands and sports coaches. In addition, almost 11 923 households permanently living in high terrain regions received timber for space heating and cooking, while over 84000 subscribers with a status of permanent residents of high terrain regions were reimbursed 50% of their utility bills for the monthly consumption of power energy.
Projections for the distribution of funds in 2019 from the High Terrain Development Fund were also discussed at the Meeting of the Council, along with a Strategy and Action Plan for Development of Highlands in 2019-2023. Document aims to define a strategic vision for an inclusive and sustainable development of regions in Georgia, equal opportunities for the citizens of Georgia, improved living standards and ensured socio-economic development all over the country.
In addition, two new members have been admitted to the National Council of Mountain Development: Kakha Zhorzholiani, Mayor in the Municipality of Mestia and Acad. Avtandil Arabuli, who will act with a status of an invited expert.