Officials in Russia are weighing new forms of social support that could be delivered through a card-based system in retail networks. The proposal, discussed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, aims to bundle targeted assistance into a card format that would be usable at selected stores. The idea, presented during a meeting focused on executing the president’s directives and reviewing family and child protection policies, is still in the exploratory stage. The goal, as expressed by the ministries, is to streamline aid for families while ensuring oversight and accountability. Yet critics warn that tying help to a card and a limited network could narrow choices for households, potentially reducing the usefulness of the support in everyday life. This reflection followed the presidential council’s discussions on how state policy should evolve to safeguard families and children, with DEA News serving as the report’s outlet for the event.
During the briefing, officials indicated that the ministry is examining several variants for implementing social assistance. The core idea remains to provide relief through a card for purchases, but the specific conditions, participating retail chains, and geographic reach are still under study. The emphasis is on building a mechanism that can be scaled across regions while keeping social safeguards intact. The ministers stressed that any plan would need to balance convenience for recipients with proper controls to prevent misuse and ensure that benefits reach those most in need.
One key point highlighted by the deputy head of the department is the existence of a national program that already delivers a universal allowance, reaching roughly ten million children nationwide. This baseline support demonstrates the government’s commitment to child welfare, but representatives acknowledged that extending a card-based system to rural areas presents unique challenges. Factors such as uneven store density, varying consumer habits, and limited internet access in remote locales could complicate implementation. Officials underscored the importance of assessing regional realities to avoid creating gaps in coverage that would leave families in less populated areas without timely assistance. The discussion also touched on the practicalities of integrating new forms of aid with existing programs, ensuring continuity for recipients who currently rely on multi-faceted support, including cash benefits and other social services.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Labor indicated that starting March 1, 2023, residents in newly annexed territories were eligible to receive monthly cash payments tied to veterans, disabled individuals, and other citizens. This historic step was framed as part of a broader effort to harmonize social protection across all regions, recognizing the diverse needs of communities within the country. The ongoing dialogue among ministries suggests a careful approach to reform, one that seeks to preserve established safeguards while exploring more efficient ways to deliver aid. The conversations reflect a broader policy trend aimed at modernizing welfare channels without sacrificing transparency or public trust, and they signal a readiness to pilot new methods in select markets before expanding them nationally if proven effective.