At a press conference in the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev spoke about the work being carried out as part of the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions in the social sphere.
According to him, special attention is paid to supporting vulnerable groups of citizens: since the beginning of the year, pension payments have increased by 8.5%, the average pension amount has reached 180 thousand tenge, and the total expenditures for these purposes have exceeded 4 trillion tenge. Targeted social assistance (TSA) is received by 245 thousand Kazakhstanis for a total amount of 16.2 billion tenge.
"The Head of State has set tasks for the Government to improve quality of life, protect vulnerable segments of the population, and develop social infrastructure. Comprehensive work is being carried out in this direction. Today, the state fully fulfills its social obligations. More than half of the budget is spent on this area. If we focus on certain categories, in terms of support for families with children, since the beginning of the year, benefits for 1.2 million families with children have been increased by 6.5%. For this, 870 billion tenge was allocated from the republican budget, which is approximately 17% more than in 2024," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
He also noted that the issue of wage increases remains relevant for many citizens. According to him, the average salary in the country has increased and reached 423 thousand tenge. The rise in the minimum wage, he clarified, contributed to income growth for 600 thousand civil servants.
"By the end of the first half of the year, 250 thousand people have been employed. A digital platform is being implemented in this area. The main goal is to support families genuinely in need. This is a direct instruction from the Head of State," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
Over 500 Facilities Built as Part of Rural Healthcare Modernization
Kosherbayev also addressed the topic of healthcare modernization. He spoke about the efforts being made under the President's instructions to improve accessibility and quality of healthcare services.
Construction of modern hospitals and the modernization of medical institutions are underway in the regions. Annually, maternal and infant mortality rates are decreasing, and the population’s access to medications is improving.
"According to the President’s instruction under the National Project ‘Modernization of Rural Healthcare’, more than 500 facilities have already been constructed. By the end of the year, more than 140 additional rural outpatient clinics and medical points will be commissioned. I want to note that during regional visits, I personally inspect the construction progress and the staffing of these facilities. Overall, as villagers themselves note, thanks to the National Project, access to medical care in rural areas is improving," Kosherbayev said.
He also added that recently there has been an increase in cases of violence against doctors and nurses while performing their professional duties. In this regard, under the President’s instruction and in cooperation with parliament, a legislative package has been developed to tighten criminal liability for such acts.
93,000 Grants Allocated for University Admission in 2025
Since the beginning of the year, 172 kindergartens with 13 thousand places have opened across the country. As a result, waiting lists for kindergartens are decreasing. In line with the President's instruction, 1.7 million schoolchildren receive free hot meals, including 99 thousand children from socially vulnerable groups. A total of 18.4 billion tenge has been allocated for their support. A new nutrition standard has been introduced: more vegetables, less sugar, and harmful products excluded.
Under the "National Fund for Children" program, funds have been allocated to 7 million children for future use in education and housing.
Construction and modernization of schools continue. Over the past two years, 274 new schools for 388 thousand students have been opened, including 115 schools under the "Comfortable School" National Project. Construction of another 177 schools is underway.
"According to the President’s instruction, comprehensive renovation of 245 schools is being carried out. This will bring the standards of general education schools closer to those of comfortable schools. As a result, learning conditions are improving for more than 95 thousand students," Kosherbayev added.
Student scholarships and funding for colleges have been doubled. This year, 93 thousand grants have been allocated for university admissions, including for master's and doctoral studies. Additionally, 24 branches of leading foreign universities have opened. Thanks to the construction of new dormitories, the shortage of places has been reduced by 72%, resolving the acute nature of this issue.
Kazakhstan to Introduce Licensing of Children’s Recreation Services
This year, 3.4 million children are covered by summer recreation. Kosherbayev stated that more than 10 thousand school-based camps and 220 out-of-town centers are operating for them.
"When visiting regions, I specifically check these camps for recreation conditions and food safety. This year, 5 wellness centers have opened. By the end of the year, another 27 centers will be launched. To improve the quality of these services, licensing will be introduced for this activity starting next year," the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
During the press conference, Kosherbayev also addressed the celebration of the 180th anniversary of Abai. A number of events are being held across the country as part of the President’s instruction, with major activities planned for August–September. The regions are conducting extensive preparatory work.
"Our main goal is to foster respect for Abai’s legacy. In this sphere, we pay great attention to the development of the creative industry. Sixteen creative centers have been opened in the regions. They have been granted tax incentives. Educational programs have been launched. The ultimate goal is to find talented youth, support their projects, and attract investors. After that, domestic creative products will be presented on international markets," Kosherbayev said.
220 Billion Tenge Allocated from the Budget to the "Nauryz" and "Otau" Housing Programs as Part of the Year of Vocational Professions
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that a set of youth support measures is currently being implemented in Kazakhstan. In particular, the main focus is on housing for young people. 220 billion tenge have been allocated from the budget to the "Nauryz" and "Otau" housing programs. As a result, 5,500 young people have received new housing.
Additionally, this year the banking product "Nauryz Zhumysker" was launched to support working youth. Regional mortgage programs for specialists in the regions offer great opportunities for young people.
