Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Issues related to poverty reduction and social welfare will now be consolidated under one body, the National Agency for Social Protection under the President. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this during a meeting in Kuva, Ferghana region.

The President emphasized the need to reform the poverty reduction system. He noted that significant experience has been accumulated in the country through the "mahalla committees" and mechanisms have been implemented using banking and financial instruments for assistance. However, as the system expands, there is a need for new approaches.

Mirziyoyev stressed that if needy populations do not have stable sources of income, they will be compelled to seek social assistance again.

The National Agency for Social Protection was established in the summer of 2023. It absorbed relevant departments from the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and other structures.

The agency has branches throughout the country, as well as "Inson" (Human) social service centers in districts and cities.