At a meeting held on January 23, the head of state instructed to implement a "social contract" system in "difficult" mahallas. This means that support from the government in terms of infrastructure will depend on the activity of local residents. One of the most significant innovations will be the implementation of the "solar reform": 903 of the most vulnerable mahallas will receive small solar power plants with a capacity of 300 kW completely free of charge. It is expected that such stations will become economic assets, generating up to 500 million sums (approximately 3.5 million dollars) in net income per year for local communities. These funds will be used for energy-efficient repairs of homes for those in need and for improving local areas.
In addition, Shavkat Mirziyoyev ordered the need to revise the lending conditions for small businesses. In 2026, banks plan to allocate 140 trillion sums for these purposes, with the interest rate on loans for family entrepreneurship in 37 difficult districts being reduced from 17.5% to 12%. The limits on preferential loans have also increased: up to 100 million sums can be obtained for the purchase of pedigree livestock, and up to 150 million sums for opening guest houses or installing refrigeration equipment without collateral. For mahallas in border areas and enclaves, the credit limit for business projects will be up to 1 billion sums.
The president also emphasized the importance of personal initiative from local leaders. He announced the readiness to allocate 2 billion sums for road repairs and water supply for each mahalla whose chairman can increase household incomes by 3-4 times. Support will also be provided to household farms: landowners will receive compensation of 50% of the costs for seedlings and subsidies for installing trellises, and payments of 160 thousand sums per hundred will be provided for the implementation of drip irrigation. This year, 2000 hectares of forest land will be allocated to low-income families for the creation of mulberry plantations and the development of sericulture, with interest-free loans provided for equipment. Thus, the government of Uzbekistan aims not just to distribute benefits but to create conditions for self-employment and sustainable growth of prosperity in every village.
