Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 22 / Trend , A.Akhundov /
The number of people receiving the targeted state social aid may increase by 10-15 percent in Azerbaijan in 2012, Deputy Labor and Social Protection Minister Ilgar Rahimov told Trend today.
"If the number of recipients of the targeted state social aid reaches 130,000-135,000 people in 2011, they the figure will be 140,000-150,000 people in 2012," Rahimov said.
He did not rule out the possibility that the level of need criterion may exceed 80 manat in 2012.
"With increasing the level of need criterion [ 75 manat as of today ] , the number of recipients of the targeted state social aid will increase. However, the wages, pensions and social benefits that is people's income increase during the year, which also affects the level of poverty. So, no sharp increase is expected in the number of recipients of the targeted state social aid," Rahimov added.
Azerbaijan applies a system of the targeted social aid since 2006. The size of social assistance is determined based on the difference between "need criterion" and the amount of income per family member.
The level of need criterion in Azerbaijan was increased by 15.4 percent - up to 75 manat in 2011.
The official exchange rate is 0. 7869manat to $1 on Oct. 22.