Tasks on elevating reforms in the mahalla system to a new level determined

On October 14, a meeting under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place on the issues of further improvement of the mahalla system and increasing the effectiveness of local works. 

In recent years, Uzbekistan has carried out extensive work to reform the mahalla institution, transforming it into an effective mechanism that is close to the people. Thanks to the introduction of the “mahalla seven” system and transfer of more than 100 types of services to the mahalla level, including lending, subsidies, compensation, and material assistance, 7.5 million citizens were lifted out of poverty, the unemployment rate was halved, and more than 3,5 thousand mahallas were modernized.

The term of office of mahalla chairpersons was increased from three to five years. Under their leadership, a vertical management system was created, provided with sufficient powers, resources, and conditions. To boost projects and create new jobs, bankers and tax officials have been assigned to each mahalla, and separate funds have been allocated for infrastructure development.

The Head of State noted that tangible results are already visible in many mahallas, but in some of them, work as a unified team has not yet been established.

- My visit to the Shuraryk mahalla in Naryn district should open the eyes of the khokims, republican, regional, and district leaders, and the ‘sevens,’ develop their competencies and approaches, and serve as an impetus for them to work efficiently and competently, - emphasized the President.

According to a decree adopted last week, 33 districts and 330 socially disadvantaged mahallas have been identified.

Each of these districts will be allocated 100 billion soums, and each mahalla will receive 5 billion soums. An additional $100 million raised from the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank will be allocated for these purposes. Another 2 trillion soums will be allocated for the infrastructure of key “driver” projects. 

In total, more than 7 trillion soums will be allocated to finance the program.

Regional governors have been instructed to select two problem mahallas each, district khokims - one each, and allocate 5 billion soums for their development. It was separately noted that improvements should take place in at least 236 mahallas across the country.

A month ago, a resolution was passed according to which projects initiated by mahalla residents will also receive funding under the “Initiative Budget”. If residents themselves begin repairing roads, water pipes, schools, or kindergartens, the state will cover half of the costs. Next year, 500 billion soums will be allocated for the implementation of thousands more such projects.

The President also announced a new initiative: starting this year, the Tax Committee will begin to compile a rating of “Best Taxpaying Mahalla” based on the level of land and property tax payments. 

Mahallas ranked in the top-100 will receive additional benefits: the state will cover 75 percent of infrastructure costs under the “Initiative Budget” and allocate 2 billion soums to each of them.

Members of the Legislative Chamber will be given 3 billion soums each to improve the infrastructure of mahallas in their constituencies.

Ten percent of all fines collected for violations in the areas of sanitation, ecology, and illegal construction will be left in the mahalla budgets. Starting in 2026, at least 200 billion soums will be allocated to their budgets annually. 

In total, 2 thousand mahallas will receive an additional 8,5 trillion soums from all of the above sources during the year.

District khokims have been instructed to use the resources provided effectively and establish cooperation with the “sevens” based on new approaches. 

For example, the Shuraryk mahalla is being transformed into a service center for six neighboring mahallas. Inspired by this initiative, entrepreneurs have begun to put forward dozens of new projects. The involvement of architects and urban planners has made it possible to develop a comprehensive renovation plan for the seven mahallas.

Regional and district heads have been instructed to work with the “reform headquarters” to implement a similar approach in 33 districts and 330 mahallas.

The meeting also discussed issues related to the development of entrepreneurship. 

Each mahalla should be assigned a specialization based on its potential and the needs of its residents. Based on this, microprojects will be developed that will provide employment for at least 200 thousand people.

Mahallas have been granted the right to auction unused state-owned properties with an area of up to 2 thousand square meters. Now, the mahalla chairman and the khokim's assistant will be able to auction off properties of up to 5 thousand square meters, with 70 percent of the proceeds remaining at the disposal of the mahalla and being directed toward infrastructure.

Additional opportunities will be provided for entrepreneurs who want to turn mahalla buildings into modern service centers.

For example, entrepreneurs who construct buildings with the “mahalla seven” located on the first floor will be exempt from land and property taxes for three years in cities and seven years in rural areas. In addition, the income and turnover tax rate will be reduced by 50 percent for this period.

The meeting identified a number of issues requiring a systematic solution in order to strengthen the social climate in mahallas and improve educational work with young people.

It was noted that the increase in the number of divorces, cases of evasion of alimony payments, abandonment of families and children with credit debts, and the consequences of close-kin and early marriages should be a cause for serious concern for khokims, mahalla representatives, the older generation, and the general public.

It was emphasized that it is necessary to explain to young people that starting a family is not only a conscious decision, but also a great responsibility towards spouses and children, and that entering into a marriage contract helps to protect the rights of the parties and prevent the family from falling into financial hardship in the event of divorce.

During the meeting, it was also noted that in some mahallas, insufficient attention is paid to issues of cleanliness and public amenities: sanitary requirements are not being observed around houses, construction sites, irrigation ditches, and public gardens. In this regard, it was decided to declare a month of cleanliness and order throughout the republic. The mayors of cities and districts, as well as their deputies responsible for improvement, were given the relevant instructions.

From now on, if the “mahalla seven” and residents come up with an initiative to create a green zone, the district mayor is obliged to allocate up to 10 acres of land for this purpose. At the same time, it has been established that the targeted use of these plots will be subject to strict public control, and any attempts to transfer them for other purposes will be suppressed within the framework of the law.

The President has instructed that a comprehensive assessment system for the activities of the “sevens” be introduced. 

District khokims are required to reward the ten most effective teams at the end of the year and establish additional bonuses for them. It has been separately emphasized that from now on, it is prohibited to hold separate meetings with members of the “sevens” on individual issues.

- Bringing the spirit of New Uzbekistan to every mahalla means ensuring that the “mahalla seven” work as a single, cohesive team, - noted the President.

At the meeting, reports from responsible persons and regional leaders were heard, and an open dialogue with mahalla chairpersons was held.