Reforms aimed at improving the welfare of citizens continue in our country. Based on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, a new social reform package has been implemented since the beginning of 2025: the minimum wage has been raised by 16% to 400 manats, wages have been increased in various sectors, pensions have been indexed and increased, and starting from February 1, the minimum pension has been raised by 14,3% to reach 320 manats. As part of the new social reform package, further increases in benefits and pensions are also expected this year.
This was discussed at the collegial meeting held at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population. Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev, emphasized that, alongside increasing social payments, expanding programs focused on ensuring employment, which is a key factor in social welfare, and applying innovative solutions in state social services are key priorities.
The meeting highlighted that the revenues of the State Social Protection Fund under the Ministry, amounted to 2 billion 14 million manats in the first quarter, which is 14% or 249 million manats more than forecasted. Its expenditures increased by 10% or 163 million manats compared to the same period last year, reaching 1 billion 864 million manats. It was noted that pension payments amounted to 1 billion 768 million manats, which is 156 million manats or 10% more than the previous year, while 275 million manats were paid to 475000 individuals as benefits, and 173 million manats were paid to 402000 individuals as Presidential stipends.
In the first quarter of the current year, the State Employment Agency under the Ministry attracted 84700 individuals to active employment programs, including providing employment for 27200 individuals, engaging 1195 individuals in self-employment programs, and 1221 unemployed individuals in vocational training courses. Additionally, 55100 individuals received vocational guidance services.
The meeting also discussed the innovative monitoring mechanisms applied by the State Labour Inspectorate Service and the transition to electronic labour contracts. It was noted that over 80000 manats of salary and other social payments were delayed by employers, but these payments were subsequently made to employees, and 17 individuals who were unlawfully dismissed were reinstated in their previous jobs.
The activities of the Social Services Agency, DOST Agency, and the State Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation Agency under the Ministry were also discussed. During the first quarter, 3400 elderly and disabled individuals received home-based social and domestic services, 2300 individuals were provided services in social service institutions, and 32 children were placed for adoption, while 9 children were placed in foster families.
It was mentioned that 213000 individuals used the services of DOST centers during the first quarter, and a total of 3,4 million citizens benefited from these services, with a 98.5% satisfaction rate. Efforts to expand the DOST centers network across the country continue.
It was also reported that 11600 individuals were assigned disability status, 27900 individuals received rehabilitation services, and 4500 individuals were provided with 29400 rehabilitation aids.
The meeting discussed the work done during the first quarter in areas such as document management, handling citizen requests, and the challenges ahead.
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