Problems of Social Protection of the Population in the Work of the Soviets of People’s Deputies of Primorye (1990-1993)
The article is devoted to the implementation of social policy in the Primorsky Krai in 1990-1993 in the context of the growing systemic crisis, the restructuring of economic relations and the transformation of public authorities. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a comprehensive analysis and systematization of the experience of anti-crisis activities of authorities and local governments in the implementation of the basic principles of social policy. On the basis of normative documents, mainly acts of office work of the Primorsky Regional Soviet of People’s Deputies, as well as city and regional Soviets (councils) and executive committees, a list of tasks facing regional and local authorities during the transition period is indicated. The author analyzed the decisions of local Soviets and their executive bodies to provide social assistance to vulnerable categories of the population: pensioners, disabled people, elderly citizens, children, large families, healthcare workers and public education workers, as well as other citizens in need of support. The issue of preventive measures to overcome the growing unemployment due to the ongoing economic reforms, denationalization and privatization is considered. Based on the analysis of archival documents, methods of implementing social assistance programs in the localities were demonstrated, the influence of political and economic reforms on the social situation in Primorye was revealed. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the effectiveness of social support measures, expressed in the adoption of long-term programs and situational decisions, turned out to be low. It is established that all the social protection practices available in the arsenal of local Soviets in the new conditions encountered insurmountable obstacles: the collapse of the material supply system, the scarcity of budget and resource opportunities.