Astana to increase social allowances by 16%

Social allowances for Astana residents will be increased by 16% starting from April 2014, Tengrinews reports citing Imangali Tasmagamabetov, Akim (Mayor) of Astana city as saying earlier this week. "Social and children's allowances as well as targeted social aid will be increased by an average of 16% in Astana city starting from April 1, 2014. A total of 3999 people in the city get these allowances," the Akim of Astana said commenting the statement of the Kazakhstan President who instructed the authorities to stabilise the situation amid the recent 20% devaluation of tenge. He reminded that throughout Kazakhstan salaries of civil employees working in public institutions would be increased by 10% starting from April 1, 2014. There are more than 24 thousand of civil servants in Astana. “With the increase effected in the beginning of the year taken into consideration, the pensions growth with make 14% and state-funded social allowances growth will make 12%,” Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Kazakhstan will raise the targeted social assistance by 12% and study allowances by 10%. Besides, the largest companies of Kazakhstan will support their non-office staff by providing a 10% increase to their salaries starting from April 1, 2014. By Renat Tashkinbayev