Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili on Thursday reported to the Parliament over the 2023 budget, covering a number of topics.
According to the Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili, the financing of social programs has increased by GEL 640 million compared to 2021 and amounts to 5 billion 340 million GEL, including:
• Pensions and compensations - more than GEL 3 billion 150 million;
• Aid to targeted social groups - more than GEL 1 billion 150 million;
• Assistance to residents of highland settlements - GEL 85 million;
• Child care and social rehabilitation programs - up to GEL 70 million;
• Promotion of employment - more than GEL 80 million;
• Co-financing of the pension scheme - GEL 310 million;
• Social programs of municipalities - GEL 290 million.
The increased budget includes:
• An increase in the pension for persons aged 70 and over by 65 GEL, taking into account: the pension of residents of highland settlements, including the pension supplement defined by law, will be GEL 438; for other pensioners - GEL 365;
• The pension of persons under 70 years of age increases by GEL 35, taking into account: the pension of people living in highland settlements, including the above-mentioned supplement, will be GEL 354; for other pensioners - GEL 295;
• Aid for severely disabled persons under the age of 18 increases by GEL 65;
• Increase of aid for other categories of disabled persons by GEL 35;
In addition, it should be noted from the social point of view that the construction of residential complexes with 7,000 apartments is starting for the accommodation of internally displaced persons, for which GEL 230.0 million has been allocated in 2023.
