0Tashkent State University of Economics
THE CHALLENGE OF POVERTY REDUCTION IN UZBEKISTAN
N. Z. Rakhmatova
First-Year Student, Faculty of Finance, Tashkent State University of Economics
T. Norboev
Scientific Supervisor, Ph.D., Professor of Political Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Tashkent State University of Economics
ABSTRACT
The article discusses the level of poverty in Uzbekistan and ways to reduce it. This article is a research work of the author on the level of poverty in the Republic of Uzbekistan, which considers the cause and different groups of poverty, presents approaches to the definition of poverty, causes and its scale within the Republic. The analysis of the main indicators characterizing the current socio-economic state of the country has been carried out. On the basis of the conclusions drawn, the ways of solving the problem are proposed.
Keywords: Republic of Uzbekistan, Poverty, unemployment, poverty, government, strategy, UN, poverty alleviation., low-income people, doctrine.
Human civilization throughout history has experienced a varied trajectory, marked by numerous challenges, among which the global issue of poverty reduction has persistently afflicted societies in ancient times. Scholars and thinkers alike, informed by socio-political, philosophical, and economic doctrines, have consistently directed their attention towards mitigating the predicament of poverty.
One such notable figure was Aristotle (384-322 BC), a polymathic Greek scholar, who expounded on this issue in his renowned work "Politics." Aristotle asserted that individuals resorting to suicide as a result of poverty and its associated afflictions were displaying symptoms of frailty and feeble resolve. In his analysis, he contended that only those with a weak determination would choose to terminate their suffering through self-inflicted demise, rather than seeking alternative solutions. Another influential luminary who deliberated on poverty was Confucius (55-479 BC), the esteemed Chinese philosopher who laid the foundations of Confucianism. Within his teachings, Confucius attributed the root of social unrest to poverty, emphasizing that an exclusive focus on the prosperity of the privileged while disregarding the impoverishment of the local populace instigated a profound sense of
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discontent among the masses. Indeed, the exploration of poverty reduction has witnessed the contributions of these eminent scholars, illustrating the enduring significance attached to this complex issue in ancient times.
The issue of poverty in the Turkestan region has been examined by representatives of the Jadids in their scholarly works. Notably, Abdurauf Fitrat (18851938) underscored in his writings that commerce represents a pressing, widespread concern. Among the leaders of post-Soviet republics, one of the first to acknowledge the presence of poverty was Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his 2020 messages, President Mirziyoyev openly acknowledged that 11.5% of the population in Uzbekistan lives in poverty—a statement that accurately reflects the reality of our nation.
Moreover, in 2019, the Nobel Prize in economics was granted to a distinguished scholar who extensively researched the problem of poverty, identifying innovative approaches and reliable strategies for its resolution.
Given that 2024 has been designated as the year of supporting youth and entrepreneurship, particular emphasis is placed on the younger generation. This focus stems from the fact that one consequence of poverty is the migration of young individuals from their homelands in search ofjob opportunities in foreign countries.
The objectives and aspirations concerning the advancement of Uzbekistan until the year 2030 can be summarized as follows:
• Firstly, it is aimed to achieve a noticeable increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, with the target being set at $4,000. This improvement indicates a desire to enhance the overall economic prosperity experienced by individuals within the country.
• Secondly, a significant reduction in poverty is sought, specifically from the current rate of 14% to a projected target of 7%. This reduction emphasizes the government's commitment to alleviating financial hardship among its citizens.
• In addition, the creation of 500,000 fresh job opportunities is a crucial component of the development plan. The objective of this initiative is to simultaneously address unemployment concerns and stimulate economic growth. By achieving this goal, it is anticipated that the unemployment rate will be halved, significantly benefiting the workforce.
• Furthermore, the provision of low-interest loans and the construction of 600,000 apartments are targeted towards assisting impoverished and vulnerable families. These initiatives aim to alleviate housing-related issues and financial burdens for those in need.
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The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, authored a publication titled "Development Strategy of Uzbekistan", which dedicates a specific section to elucidate methodological and practical means of diminishing poverty within the Uzbekistan population. This inclusion highlights the significance attributed to poverty reduction efforts in the official discourse. Official assessments of poverty rates in Uzbekistan are conducted by the State Committee on Statistics through annual household surveys. Additionally, to provide support for vulnerable communities and families with low income, the establishment of the "Temir Daftar" has been orchestrated, encompassing a population of approximately 2.5 million individuals.
According to the United Nations (UN), the current global population facing poverty stands at more than 700 million individuals. Within the UN, specific organizations have devoted their efforts to developing innovative programs aiming to alleviate the issue of poverty. One such program was initiated by the UN General Assembly in 1992, which designated September 17 as a dedicated day for combating poverty. Furthermore, long-term resolutions spanning ten years, such as those from 1997 to 2006, from 2008 to 2017, and from 2018 to 2027, have been implemented. These resolutions have introduced new strategies and approaches to effectively address the persistent problem of poverty. Various assessments conducted by UN agencies indicate that approximately 12-15% of the population in each country is categorized as low-income, with Uzbekistan specifically experiencing a significant number of 4-5 million individuals falling into this classification.
It is imperative to acknowledge that the socioeconomic welfare of individuals assumes a pivotal role in the eradication of poverty. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that economic expansion harbors inclusivity and uniformly bestows its advantages upon the entirety of society, rather than isolated factions, in order to minimize the Gini index as much as conceivable. This strategic approach necessitates a multifaceted implementation encompassing the generation of fresh employment opportunities, enhanced healthcare provisions, educational enhancements, as well as social programs, among other factors.
Poverty is a pervasive global issue that necessitates collective efforts from the international community. Its ramifications extend across various facets of life, encompassing not only economics but also social relations, politics, and culture. Moreover, poverty is intricately intertwined with other pressing global concerns, such as illegal migration, terrorism, and the surge of transnational crime. As a consequence
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of this dilemma, individuals suffer from compromised health due to detrimental lifestyle choices, including alcoholism and drug addiction.
In summary, it is imperative to leverage the latest advancements in addressing poverty to ensure the utmost success and efficacy of Uzbekistan's burgeoning Poverty Reduction Strategy. Through the utilization of acquired experience and the analysis of annual accomplishments, the poverty reduction strategy will invariably be refined and aligned with the genuine needs and aspirations of the local populace.
REFERENCES
1. Shavkat Mirziyoyev's book "Strategy of New Uzbekistan", 2021.
2. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 28.01.2022 № UP-60 "On the Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026".
3. Journal of the United States and Canada: Economy, Politics and Culture.
4. Perminova: A.A.US policy in Central Asia in the context of confrontation with Russia and China., Pages 25-35.
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