Fyodor Shchukin reported that recent months in Daghestan had been characterised by intensive efforts to overcome the consequences of the floods that impacted the region in late March and early April. This task has been accorded the highest priority, carried out on the President’s instruction and under the direct supervision of the republic’s leadership.
Recovery operations are proceeding in accordance with a plan subject to weekly review by a government commission. The first phase, lasting approximately one month to six weeks, comprised the draining of inundated areas, the removal of silt, the provision of accommodation for the displaced, and the restoration of energy infrastructure and water supplies. The second phase, spanning a further six weeks, involved a damage assessment and the prompt fulfilment of tasks relating to the mitigation of the consequences and the restoration of lost assets. Fyodor Shchukin noted that the damage was assessed promptly, the relevant federal funding requested, and the funds are now being disbursed to the republic without delay.
The Acting Head of the Republic of Daghestan emphasised the coordinated efforts of all federal agencies, alongside the support extended to the republic by every single region of Russia without exception. He further drew attention to the contributions of more than 3,000 volunteers, who participated in rescue operations, drained flooded territories, and delivered vital supplies.
The President recalled his instruction that assistance must be provided to citizens irrespective of whether the housing they lost had been officially registered as property or included in the cadastral register.
Fyodor Shchukin affirmed that the leadership of Daghestan abides by this presidential instruction on a daily basis and is addressing the task at hand. Accordingly, 60 percent of previously unregistered land plots will be brought onto the register. Owners of buildings situated on agricultural land – used for so-called distant-pasture livestock farming – are receiving assistance from public organisations and benefactors: approximately 3 billion rubles have been raised from various sources.
Further, the President requested an update on the situation in the economy and the social sphere. Fyodor Shchukin reported that all federal and regional development programmes are being implemented in the republic, including in education, healthcare and preschool facilities. The principal objective of the entire management team is to ensure that every budget ruble is spent both efficiently and on time.
Vladimir Putin asked if any further progress had been made in addressing social issues related to schools and kindergartens. The Acting Head of the region noted that the task has indeed been set; however, with young people making up 40 percent of the population, the republic faces a heavy burden on its schools. Over recent decades, there has been a pronounced migration from the mountainous areas to the coastal regions – Makhachkala, for example, has seen its population triple. In this regard, it is necessary to build additional schools and medical facilities; however, the first step is to carry out an inventory of existing problems to determine exactly what needs to be built and where.
The President also noted that September 8 is the birthday of the poet Rasul Gamzatov, and that this date is celebrated in Russia as the Day of the Languages of the Peoples of Russia. Fyodor Shchukin conveyed his profound gratitude of all the people of Daghestan for the special attention paid to their great compatriot. The Acting Head of the region noted that the poet’s birthday is traditionally marked on a grand scale. This year, more than 75 cultural, sporting and linguistic events will be held across Russia.
The discussion then turned to assistance and support for participants in the special military operation and their families. Vladimir Putin noted that the people of Daghestan are serving heroically. There are many Daghestanis among the rank and file, as well as in mid-level and senior command positions, including commanders of various units across a wide range of formations.
Fyodor Shchukin reported that 20 Heroes of Russia come from Daghestan, and the entire republic looks up to them as role models. Comprehensive work with the families of participants in the special military operation is underway across the region. Curators have been appointed in all administrations and municipalities, including in rural areas, to resolve emerging issues swiftly and efficiently. Furthermore, work continues under a special programme to allocate land plots to the families of participants in the special military operation. To date, more than 3,000 families have received such plots.
The Head of State stressed that this support system must continue to develop and improve. Vladimir Putin asked Fyodor Shchukin to ensure that this matter continues to receive close attention and instructed the entire management team to focus on this.
Fyodor Shchukin noted that the regional branch of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation is operating actively and highly effectively, alongside several other regional public organisations. He also mentioned a proposal to establish a Veterans’ House in Makhachkala for participants in the special military operation, which would serve as a centre uniting organisations that support special operation participants and their families. The President supported this initiative, saying that he would issue instructions to the Government of the Russian Federation to ensure the project receives support at the federal level.