Tatarstan devises programme aimed to stabilise job market in 2010

Tatarstan has devised a new draft regional programme that offers extra measures aimed to reduce tensions on the job market in 2010 and builds on the programme effective in 2009.

The draft programme was today presented by the Tatarstan Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Airat Shafigullin at a meeting dedicated to monitor the implementation of a republican programme on reducing tensions on the job market in 2009 and the tasks for 2010-2011. The meeting was held as a video conference at the Cabinet of Ministers, with the participation of the World Bank delegation. It was hosted by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan Ravil Muratov.

“The programme for 2010 and 2011 focuses on diversifying the economy, developing and implementing innovative technologies, restructuring the region’s economy, fighting social dependency and developing small business,” said Airat Shafigullin.

“The programme purports for us to have a qualified and motivated workforce, not a labour ballast. Companies that have lived through the crisis will be more efficient, with an increased labour efficiency. In 2010, 200 special jobs are planned to be created, with reimbursement of employer’s expenses on special equipment to fit workplaces. The document should incentivise employers create special jobs for invalids. More people are expected to be involved in the social sector and small business initiative in the social service field is to be promoted,” the minister said.

Diversification of the job market agrees with the Republic of Tatarstan’s development strategy until 2020, as well as with the Volga Federal District development strategy. The programme’s principal items are creating new jobs at high-technology production entities, increasing added value and supporting single-business settlements. Within the programme’s latter item, the establishment of a Kama Polyany tourist and health park is supposed to take place. The purpose of the project is to create 1,750 jobs in 5 municipalities. The project is a pilot one for both Tatarstan and Russia.

The new programme is aimed to support disabled citizens, pre-emptive training, retraining and skills improvement, small business and self-employment development, retaining the socially and economically viable public jobs. The latter item could for instance be implemented through creating public and temporary jobs with companies servicing motorways.

The total amount of required budget funds is 6,612.9 million roubles, including 330 million roubles from the Tatarstan budget and 6,282.9 million from the Russian budget.