Afət Ziyadqızı
Social policies implemented in Azerbaijan, efforts to improve public welfare and measures to increase pensions, allowances and student scholarships remain among the issues most closely followed and discussed by society. The state’s strategy to expand its social package is strengthening confidence in the future among both pensioners and young people.
Speaking to Operative Information Center-OMM, deputy Ceyhun Mammadov said the issue has always remained a focus of attention for the state:
"Various important decisions are being adopted continuously, while consistent and targeted steps are being taken. We witness at every moment how sensitively our state approaches this area. This is undoubtedly a clear example of the highest attention and care our state shows for its citizens. As in previous years, the adoption of relevant measures this year cannot be ruled out. Our state continues this tradition, and similar decisions are expected to be adopted in the next period as well. Increasing pensions and expanding the social package are always priorities. I am confident that important decisions will be made and new steps will be taken in this direction in the near future. The public will be provided with detailed information about the innovations to be adopted."
Education expert Amrah Hasanli, commenting on the possible increase in student scholarships from the perspective of human capital development, also said that experience in recent years shows that increases in scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students reflect the continued attention the state pays to higher education and young people:
"Considering the current economic dynamics, inflation and, in particular, students’ daily living, transport and education expenses, another increase in scholarships is expected this year as well. Recent traffic congestion in the capital and major cities, along with difficult road conditions, directly affects students’ daily lives. Increasing scholarships is a very important social support mechanism for covering transport costs, educational materials and general living expenses. Students should know that the state is concerned about their social welfare and that this support relatively eases the financial burden on them."
The expert added that these scholarships are not only social assistance but also a strategic investment that directly affects the quality of education and young people’s motivation:
"The issue should be viewed from several perspectives. First, a scholarship system differentiated according to academic performance creates a healthy competitive environment among students. Students approach their studies more responsibly in order to receive higher scholarships, which directly has a positive effect on education quality indicators. Second, a student receiving an adequate scholarship does not have to take on demanding work that could interfere with education simply to make a living during extracurricular hours, and can focus fully on scientific and academic activities. In other words, increasing scholarships is not only social support but also a strategic investment in improving education quality and developing human capital."
