On Paper and in Reality: Give people hook instead of fish (video)
Can extreme poverty be eliminated in Armenia if each needy family is given cash money? “We shall not abolish poverty if we distribute money in the form of social benefits. The poor may get poorer but it is difficult to eliminate poverty in that way. We need other safeguards against poverty,” Artak Simonyan, Deputy Head of the State Employment Agency, said during the program “On Paper and in Reality.” He says the fight against poverty can be more effective after ensuring sustainable economic growth and creation of new jobs. “It is also important to provide the quality of these workplaces and create dignified jobs. We would do a great job if we reach these goals. Today, the state gives benefits to families but there is no progress,” Mr. Simonyan stressed. Giving money to poor households has its meaning, but something is gradually changing in the minds of people… “They, especially the agencies and institutions dealing with this issue, are coming to the conclusion that instead of giving [people] the fish we should give them the hook and teach them the method of fishing, at the same time creating conditions for people to be able to catch fish,” said Artak Melkonyan, Senior Advisor at UNDP Armenia. He thinks the state should do everything possible to increase targeting of benefits. Besides, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is taking other measures in this direction. “I am speaking about state employment programs which are aimed at providing people with jobs. There are numerous targeted programs meant for persons with disabilities and the youth,” he said. To eradicate and reduce poverty, Armenia is guided by the strategy adopted in 2014 according to which budget funds are channeled to active programs and projects aimed at overcoming poverty.
