Today, Uzbekistan is experiencing a new, intensive, and humane stage of its historical development. The principle of 'Human dignity above all' advocated by the head of state occupies a central place in these large-scale, profound, and systemic reforms. Particularly significant are the fundamental changes in the population social support system, which contribute to a radical improvement in citizens' quality of life and strengthen the confidence that 'no one will ever be left without attention.'
Past Problems in Social Protection
To understand the essence and historical significance of the current transformations, it is necessary to look at the realities of the recent past and compare them with today. If we look back 8–10 years, it becomes clear that the social protection sector had systemic problems, conceptual shortcomings, and chronic difficulties. Previously, the social assistance system was fragmented and disjointed, distributed among the ministries of health, public education, finance, the Pension Fund, and local administrations.
It was almost impossible to ensure a unified state policy and control the targeted and proper use of allocated funds. The most distressing aspect was bureaucracy and corruption: needy families were forced to spend weeks collecting documents in dozens of institutions just to receive a simple social payment. Since the human factor played a role in decision-making, aid was often distributed not among those truly in need, but based on 'acquaintanceships' or local subjective views.
Shift in Paradigm and Constitutional Foundations
Furthermore, the approach of that time was exclusively passive. The state function was limited merely to temporary financial support, while there were no active measures to lift families out of poverty, ensure their employment, provide vocational training, and achieve economic independence. This created conditions for the entrenchment of a sense of dependence in society. Simply put, the past social protection system served not as a means of freeing a person from problems, but as a temporary measure condemning them to live with those problems.
One of the largest, historically significant, and irreversible achievements of the country's new reforms was the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in a new edition via a national referendum. The Basic Law enshrines for the first time that Uzbekistan is a social state. Based on the strengthened principles of the social state in the Constitution, the right of every citizen to a decent life, housing, quality medical care, and education has become a constitutional guarantee.
Moreover, the state policy for poverty reduction and unemployment combat is firmly established, providing special protection and care for persons with disabilities, elderly people living alone, orphans, and women in difficult social situations. These constitutional changes are not just loud slogans, but a practical legal basis reflecting the life, employment, and faith of every citizen.
Creation of a New Institutional Structure
To ensure the implementation of reforms in the field of social protection and bring the system to a new level, an entirely new structure was created—the National Agency for Social Protection, at the initiative of the head of state. This can be called the biggest institutional step and a revolutionary update in this area. The creation of the National Agency for Social Protection led to a fundamental change in the sphere, unifying all services, functions, resources, and methodology into a single center.
Currently, although the 'Inson' social service centers operating in cities and districts provide comprehensive social, psychological, and legal assistance to citizens in difficult situations at the mahalla level, new professional 'social workers' work on a targeted basis. They individually study the situation of each family, visiting their homes, and determine the problems on site.
Digitalization and Transparency of the System
The success of the new system is directly linked to modern digital technologies. The digitalization policy promoted by the President has completely eliminated shortcomings such as corruption, nepotism, and bureaucracy in the social sphere. In particular, the launch of the 'Unified Social Protection Register' information system has ensured transparency in this area.
Currently, the process of assigning benefits or social assistance is completely free of human intervention. Data on family income, real estate, and vehicles are automatically extracted from ministry electronic databases. The digital system determines whether the applicant is genuinely in need of assistance. Funds are transferred directly to the citizen's bank card without intermediaries.
New Support Mechanisms and Results
Uzbekistan's social support model is not limited to just paying benefits. A unique system in global experience has been created—the mechanisms of the 'Iron Book,' the 'Women's Book,' and the 'Youth Book.' Within this system and targeted programs, unemployed family members, women, and youth living in poverty undergo free vocational training and modern IT technology courses. Citizens wishing to start their own business are provided with preferential loans, non-repayable subsidies, and production equipment, such as sewing machines.
The state fully pays stipends for talented students whose families have sufficient income but are in a difficult social situation. Thanks to these efforts, tens of thousands of families have moved from being benefit recipients to becoming entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and permanent sources of income. This indicates that an environment of healthy competition and diligence has strengthened in society.
Conclusion on Transformation
Thus, the transformation of the population social support system in Uzbekistan is not just a routine sectoral reform, but a great spiritual and political turning point in the history of our nation. We stand at a historic moment, awaiting the glorious 35th anniversary of independence. Looking back at thirty-five years of our difficult and dignified path, the greatest achievement of the New Uzbekistan era is elevating the value of man to the level of state policy.
Today, a citizen of New Uzbekistan feels the reliable protection of his state, feeling that his value and interests are paramount. The foundation of a state embodying social justice and human dignity is always unshakable. The most worthy gift for the 35th anniversary of our independence is the smile of our citizens, satisfied with their state, and the well-being in their homes, with faith in tomorrow.
