Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During the 55th plenary session, the Senate reviewed and approved the "Law on Amending and Supplementing Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the Social Services and Assistance Provision System."

Amid the ongoing large-scale reforms in the country, aimed at ensuring reliable protection of human rights and freedoms based on the principle that "Human Interests Come First," there is a need to update and clarify the powers of state bodies in the social protection sphere.

In particular, with the establishment of the National Social Protection Agency and the "Inson" social service centers, amendments to legislative acts are required to solidify the new functions and powers of these structures.

The proposed changes include assigning the National Social Protection Agency the responsibility for issuing burial allowances, defining its authority in protecting women from harassment and violence, and exempting certain categories of citizens from paying state fees when appealing to courts on civil and administrative matters.

The law also stipulates that to count the time spent caring for the elderly, who have reached the age of 80 and require care, as part of the work experience, no medical facility certificate will be needed.

Elderly individuals living alone, those with disabilities who need care, and lonely elderly people will have the right to free use of urban public transport. These citizens will also be exempt from paying state fees when replacing lost or damaged ID cards or biometric passports.

Additionally, funds directed towards providing sponsorship assistance to these categories of citizens will be included in expenses subject to deduction when determining the tax base.

Senators emphasized that the adoption of this law will contribute to strengthening targeted and effective social protection for vulnerable segments of the population, as well as improving and enhancing the quality of provided social services.

The law was approved by the senators.