The support program for depressed regions may be extended

The government presented the president with interim results of the implementation of individual development programs for the ten most economically depressed Russian regions. In general, the authorities are satisfied with their results: two regions that improved their indicators more successfully than others (Karelia and Adygea) will leave the program by the end of 2024 and be replaced by others. The mechanism, which ends in 2024, will most likely be extended until 2030 – in its updated form it will involve a greater emphasis on the implementation of economic rather than social projects.

At a meeting with the president on Thursday, the government reported on the interim results of the implementation of individual development programs (IDP) of the regions. They were launched for the ten most economically depressed regions of the Russian Federation (Adygea, Altai Territory, Altai Republic, Kalmykia, Karelia, Mari El, Tuva, Chuvashia, Pskov and Kurgan regions) in 2020. These territories had the worst indicators of average per capita income of residents, unemployment and investment in fixed assets. They were allocated 50 billion rubles from the federal budget. in 2020–2024 (1 billion rubles per year per region). The extension of the programs until 2030 is currently being discussed.

The head of the Ministry of Economy, Maxim Reshetnikov, said at the meeting that almost half of the IPR activities have been completed, more than 14 thousand jobs have been created (83% of the plan by the end of the year), and more than 100 billion rubles have been raised. investments (above plan). According to him, the implementation of the IPR has allowed a dozen regions to develop at rates higher than the Russian average. For example, per capita income grew faster than the national average and unemployment decreased. The average growth rate of investment still remains somewhat lower than the national average, although some regions have significantly increased their dynamics – for example, Altai and Mari El. Let us note that previously the direct connection between such results and the IPR was questioned by the Accounts Chamber, which noted that it is difficult to assess the contribution of programs to the development of depressed regions (see Kommersant on January 30).

When extending the mechanism, the Ministry of Economy proposes to slightly change the approaches to it. To the existing indicators by which regions are selected for IPR, it is proposed to add levels of tax and non-tax revenues, as well as budgetary security. At the new stage, Maxim Reshetnikov said, Adygea and Karelia will leave the IPR due to the improvement of their indicators – Khakassia and the Kirov region will take their place. It is also proposed to stipulate that at least 70% of funding should go to stimulating the economy – priority should be given to projects with maximum tax effect (social projects will be supported mainly within the framework of national projects). The Ministry of Economy proposes to combine the IPR into a separate program or national project for effective control.

The head of the Chelyabinsk region and the State Council commission in the direction of “Economics and Finance” Alexey Teksler proposed not to immediately “cut off” from support the regions that have left the “red” zone, and for several years after the completion of the IPR, maintain federal funding for them in the amount of 500 million rubles . in year. In general, he suggested taking a broader look at supporting regions with low budgetary support, for which there are no special programs. For example, they can write off two-thirds of budget loans in a special manner – without conditions for directing the released funds to infrastructure, housing and communal services or emergency housing.

The head of the Ministry of Finance, Anton Siluanov, however, insisted that the conditions for write-off should exist in any case, but it is possible to consider other areas in which such regions would spend the written-off funds. He was also skeptical about the continuation of funding for the regions after the completion of the IPR, noting that the instructions following the President’s address included “many support tools.” As a result, Vladimir Putin instructed to concentrate attention when distributing resources for national projects on regions with a low level of budgetary provision. For those who have completed the IPR, it is proposed to “look” at options for their support.

Evgenia Kryuchkova