MINSK, 27 January (BelTA) – It is essential to expand the authorities of local executives and improve the administrative discipline, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said when appointing new heads of local executive and regulatory bodies on 27 January, BelTA informs.
At the meeting with the heads of executive committees of various levels and district administrations in Belarusian cities the President focused on a number of crucial issues.
“The situation is not easy for everybody, it is not easy for you because you are face to face with people. Therefore, I am very grateful to you. I understand that the people occupying such positions are not the richest people even in our country. Therefore, we are now doing our best to optimize agencies and reduce the number of personnel. You should not be afraid of it. At the same time, we should, and, first of all, you should improve administrative discipline. You have big authorities even within the framework of the existing legal acts,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
At the same time, the President believes that the authorities of heads of local executive and regulatory bodies can be expanded. “Any member of the executive committee, any civil servant living on the territory of the district should provide reports to the executive committee, if not directly. Do not divide authorities. You are the main representatives of the President in your districts. If the executive committee makes a decision, it must be fulfilled by everyone in accordance with the law. If the head of the local department of internal affairs or the head of the State Security Committee's department do not like it, it is up to them to appeal against this decision to corresponding agencies. But if the decision is just and honest, no one will abolish it,” the head of state stressed. “The authorizes of local administration bodies should be expanded. It is necessitated by the serious personnel reduction in the state apparatus.”
The interaction with people should be a priority in the work of local administration bodies. “It is neglected today. We even started to persuade people to clean up their household plots, repair fences, paint houses… People should receive instructions. If they do not listen to you, take radical measures,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed. “Give more authorities to the heads of rural councils, they should be accountable for their decisions.”
The President cited certain provisions of the ordinance against freeloading as an example. In particular, one of the provisions authorizes heads of rural councils to exempt a person from the unemployment tax is this person is in difficulty. “Even if the chairperson makes one or two mistakes, the country will not be hurt much. You will deal with it,” the head of state remarked. “Give more authorities to heads of enterprises, heads of rural councils, and there will be tougher accountability.”
Executive bodies should pay special attention to the forthcoming spring sowing campaign. “It is needed to think today how to do it. There are two or three troubled farms in every district. You are aware of my requirement: these are your farms. You must be aware of the state of affairs at these farms. If necessary, you can even switch to the hands-on management to show that these farms can be efficient,” Alexander Lukashenko instructed. “We have invested and are investing a lot in the development of the infrastructure of agricultural enterprises, especially in the purchase of equipment, engine yards, grain drying complexes, farms. You know why I have taken this issue under control and instructed the Interior Minister and the Prosecutor General to open criminal cases for the recklessness at enterprises.”
The head of state said that the efforts to clean up the territory of enterprises and organize work there can help reduce costs by 30%. “Take it under control. The analysis of this work is in progress all over the country, and the governors will not protect you. Take everything under control and get down to work,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
Local authorities should also do their best to raise the efficiency of local enterprises. Every district should have good construction organizations and agricultural equipment, the President remarked.
Alexander Lukashenko also urged civil servants to step up efforts to prevent crimes and offences. “You are face to face with people. Our people are the most just people. They will see everything,” the President said. “Therefore, do not take someone else's things, especially the state property. This is a serious issue. There will not be any concessions.
Head of the Belarus President Administration Natalya Kochanova was instructed to establish direct contacts with the heads of local executive and regulatory bodies to discuss all problems and pending issues if necessary. “They should talk to me, tell me and I will call them,” Alexander Lukashenko said addressing Natalya Kochanova. “They should have access to the President through the head of the Belarus President Administration, the prime minister.”
The head of state also urged to support hardworking executives.
