A new initiative for issuing vouchers, which covers important aspects such as food, housing rent, and utility payments, will be implemented through the “Social Wallet” in the eGov Mobile app. This will ensure control over the redistribution of aid so that it truly reaches those in need.
As noted by the First Deputy Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Rostislav KONYASHKIN, new types of personalized vouchers will be added to the “Social Wallet.” Checks will be conducted to ensure that services are indeed provided to those in need, and the expenditure of funds will be recorded through eGov Mobile or biometrics.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development (MAIID) reported that there are plans for a phased introduction of 10 new state support programs within the framework of the “Social Wallet.”
Some citizens are questioning why vouchers are being introduced instead of direct cash assistance. Majilis deputy Ekaterina SMYSHLYAEVA expressed her thoughts on this, noting that the “Social Wallet” represents a digital form of targeted social assistance (TSA) that has a specific purpose. This does not mean that all payments are being replaced; rather, it is about support aimed at meeting the basic needs of citizens, such as food, housing, and education.
The essence of vouchers lies in the economic aspect. Ensuring the availability of socially significant food products (SSFP), utility services, and education requires targeted support, as a universal price reduction could harm producers and suppliers.
According to Smyshlyaeva, this guarantees that citizens' needs will be met, even if they face difficulties. Comparing modern vouchers to Soviet coupons, she emphasized that back then it was a way to distribute shortages, whereas now goods are available, but not everyone has money. Social vouchers allow for choice and can be used with different providers.
At the last government meeting, President Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV noted that last year social spending accounted for about 40% of the republican budget, yet the effectiveness of their use raises questions. He instructed the creation of social digital profiles for households, which will help make support measures more objective and targeted.
In Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva's opinion, the issues do not stem from the dishonesty of citizens, but rather from the accuracy of identifying those in need. The social system has long been fragmented, leading to some receiving assistance when they do not need it, while others, conversely, remain without support.
The integration of the “Social Wallet” with banking infrastructure will solve several tasks, including simplifying access to assistance and managing budget expenditures.
As of today, the “Social Wallet” has three options: free hot meals for schoolchildren, free medications, and discounted vouchers for household gas. These services will be expanded nationwide in 2024.
According to the MAIID, 1,605,059 schoolchildren from socially vulnerable groups receive hot meals through vouchers, and over 13 million electronic prescriptions for medications have been issued to 1.8 million people.
Since 2022, a pilot project has been implemented in the Akmolinsk region, allowing TSA recipients to purchase socially significant products at a discount. Each family member is issued 1 MRP for cashless purchases in stores connected to the system.
To activate the voucher, it is necessary to show a QR code at the checkout, and the difference between the market price and the discounted price is automatically deducted from the voucher.
The pilot project has demonstrated positive results, and it is planned to expand it nationwide.
An important aspect is that all types of assistance in the “Social Wallet” are assigned proactively, without the need for applications. The system sends SMS notifications to those in need, and citizens can agree to or decline the offered assistance.
However, currently, there are no cash payments in the “Social Wallet.” Despite plans for the introduction of electronic benefits back in 2020, this issue is still under development. Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva noted that before digital solutions are implemented, the entire structure of social support needs to be changed to ensure access for all categories of citizens.
The record "Kazakhstanis in need of support will be able to receive vouchers for important social services" first appeared on K-News.
