Abkhaz parliament ratified the agreement on pensions and on co-financing of public sector wage increases

Sukhum. May 5. Apsnypress. At the meeting of the People's Assembly of the Parliament of the Republic of Abkhazia were unanimously adopted the bills "On ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation on pensions of Russian citizens permanently residing in the Republic of Abkhazia" and "On ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation on the procedure and conditions for co-financing from the funds of the Russian Federation increasing wages of basic categories of employees of state institutions of Abkhazia in healthcare, education, science, culture, sport and social services for citizens".  

Presenting the bill, representative of President of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Parliament Dmitry Shamba noted that pension arrangements which was signed in Sochi on April 14 by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Abkhazia and the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, pensions of Russian citizens residing in the RA must matched with the average level of pensions in the Southern Federal District of Russia. On 1 of January 2015 the rate was 10,179 rubles 65 kopecks. Russian pensions in Abkhazia will be phased in over three years, "pulled up" to this figure, "since 1 of January 2015 - in the amount of 20% from 1 of January 2016 - 40% from 1 of January 2017 - 62%. " At the same time, he said that the total number of residents of Abkhazia who receive a pension of the Russian Federation is 32 154 people, and in January of this year the average level of their pension is 6,275 rubles, 10 kopecks. 

Dmitry Shamba said: "It is important to note that if earlier, before the signing of the Agreement for the pension of the Russian Federation, took into account only the length, generated before January 1, 1991, after the signing of the document will take into account for a pension seniority before 1 of January 2002". In addition, under the new agreement is medical examination and re-examination of the degree of disability and the establishment of disability of pensioners will be carried out on the territory of Abkhazia. 

Agreement is accepted for 10 years with an automatic extension for five years forward, even if the effect of the document for whatever reason will be suspended, already assigned pensions will not cease to pay. 

With regard to the Agreement on the co-financing of salaries to state employees as noted Dmitry Shamba, wage increases provided for: for the teaching staff of educational institutions of general education, pre-school institutions, professional education, teachers and trainers in primary and secondary special education, teachers of higher education institutions, scientists, doctors, middle and junior medical staff, employees of cultural institutions and social workers. In total, wages of 9302 citizens will be increased . Co-financing will be credited on a monthly basis to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Abkhazia who will report quarterly on their spending. The agreement was concluded for 3 years and shall enter into force upon ratification. 

In addition, the session of the Parliament of Abkhazia adopted laws on the state budget of Abkhazia for 2014 and on the implementation of the budgets of extra-budgetary funds in 2014: retirement, repatriation, disabled of the War of Abkhazia, traffic, social security and labor protection of RA and RA mandatory health insurance. 

This was marked by the total of all funds for the trend - growing from one year to the underpayment of tax payments, reaching up to 40% of the targets. "But if the enterprises paid wages which means that accounting makes contributions to the funds. Then, where does the money go?", - said the deputy Aslan Kobakhiya. As it turned out, under existing laws there is a "loophole" for abuse and evasion of tax payments, since the penalties for non-payment - "penny". In this regard, parliamentarians have decided to investigate the situation and if necessary correct it at the legislative level. 

Also at the meeting, in the first reading was adopted  the draft law "On special economic zones". "This is a window to attract investment", - said introducing the draft deputy Sergey Shamba. At the same time MPs noted that the bill does not define any specific area to create a special economic zone, it comes to the framework regulations that can give additional impetus to the development of the national economy.