Measures defined by the Action Plan for the Development of Mountainous Settlements for 2021-2023 were discussed at a meeting of the National Council for Mountain Development chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili.

According to the action plan, projects worth GEL 968.5 million are planned for 3 years for both infrastructural and social support of highland settlements, which is 29% more than the same period of the previous period.

The Prime Minister was presented with the 2021 report on the use of social benefits established by the Law of Georgia on the Development of Mountainous Regions; The Minister of Agriculture noted that up to 3 million GEL was spent from the fund for agricultural development projects in highland settlements, which financed the establishment of processing enterprises, agricultural cooperatives, as well as the cultivation of new gardens.

A total of 1801 settlements have been granted the status of highland settlements, which is about 49% of the total settlements of Georgia. According to April data, about 262 thousand people enjoy the status of living in a highland settlement; 497 Enterprise. 

Approximately GEL 1.16 billion has been allocated to support highland settlements in the last 6 years; Of this, approximately 402.7 million was spent on social benefits provided by law, which include supplements, pensions, social benefits, salaries of doctors, nurses, teachers, coaches of various sports and many other areas, as well as co-financing of 50% of energy consumed. It was noted that in 2021, about 96.5 million GEL was spent on social benefits, which is 19% more than in 2020.

The Council considered the draft ordinance on the allocation of funds from the allocations for the Highland Settlements Development Fund, according to which the funds of the Highland Settlements Development Fund will be allocated in 2022.

According to the plan, 20 million GEL will be allocated for the relevant infrastructure and agricultural projects. Allocated for the implementation of agricultural projects in highland settlements, such as the agro-insurance project, “Implement the Future” and the program of processing and saving enterprises.