Rustem Khamitov: "Diversified activities of NGOs should be an integral part of social and political life in our republic"

UFA, 3 April 2015. /Bashinform News Agency, Iliya Spiridonov/. On April 2, the Head of Bashkortostan Republic Rustem Khamitov participated in the 2nd Civil Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations RB at the House of the State Assembly – Kurultay RB. He inspected the exposition "Acting Together", talked with active members and spoke at the plenary session of the forum.

The Head of the Republic said that currently in Bashkortostan there were about 5,000 non-governmental organizations. They represent a major social force, powerful resource that is not yet fully exploited.

According to Rustem Khamitov, now we need to develop public self-government, to form the primary organizations of citizens. Activity in this regard is shown only in urban areas so far.

“Our goal is to ensure that non-profit organizations appear in every municipality, in every village, becoming an important tool for the local development of social, cultural and social life” the Head of Bashkortostan said.

Speaking about the problem of NGOs financing, Rustem Khamitov said that in addition to sponsors and patrons, there were other sources of necessary funds. For example, last year in seven districts of the Trans-Urals a project on supporting local initiatives was realized, where some of the funds were collected by the residents themselves, investing money in issues relevant to them, in repair of roads and streets, building playgrounds and sports grounds, water supply. It is necessary also to take part in competitions and projects of public organizations that are conducted by federal ministries and the Russian foundations.

This year, Bashkortostan received almost 19 million rubles to support NGOs from the federal budget. In addition, the republic will receive the largest in the country funding in the amount of nearly 34 million rubles following the competitive selection of regional programs under the federal program "Strengthening the unity of the Russian nation and ethnic and cultural development of the peoples of Russia."

The Head of the Republic also marked the lack of NGOs presence in the media.

According to the Head of the Region, working in socially-oriented non-governmental organizations should become an essential element of a successful career.

Full transcript of his speech is published on the official website of the Head of the Republic.