The Labor Ministry wants to allow Russian parents to use the subsidies for families with two or more children to start their own businesses, a news report said Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister for social issues Olga Golodets supported the proposal during a recent government meeting, RBK reported. The only objections came from Economic Development Ministry officials, who argued that Russians were too inexperienced in entrepreneurship to be able to efficiently use the funds.
The amendment, if approved, will likely become effective in 2017.
The "maternal capital" program, widely credited with helping reverse Russia's birth rate decline, involves one-time, tax-exempt financial certificates to families with two or more children. Adjusted annually for inflation, the value of the certificate reached 409,000 rubles ($12,000) in 2013 and is expected to increase to 429,000 next year.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
