A pilot project is being implemented in Kazakhstan to provide digital food vouchers, which will allow recipients of targeted social assistance (TSA) to purchase socially significant food products (SSFP) at a discount.

The main principle of the project is based on the current price stabilization mechanism, the so-called "revolving scheme", within the framework of which retail outlets are provided with preferential repayable loans to replenish working capital. In exchange, stores are obliged to sell SSFP to TSA recipients at alternative prices, up to 15% lower than market prices.

The pilot project is starting in the city of Akkol in the Akmola region. In the future, it is planned to expand to the cities of Kokshetau and Pavlodar.

The digital voucher is provided through the "Social Wallet" service, integrated into the eGov Mobile mobile application. The TSA recipient only needs to activate the voucher and present the QR code at the store checkout, then the discount is applied automatically. The voucher size is calculated individually: one monthly calculation indicator is provided for each family member, which is equivalent to 3,932 tenge. Thus, a family of four receives a voucher for about 16 thousand tenge, the discount on the SZPT can reach up to 15% of the market price.

The project is financed from the stabilization fund: 35% is directed to preferential lending to entrepreneurs, 65% to forward purchases of products from domestic producers and farmers. Thanks to this, a stable supply of stores with socially significant products at reduced prices is ensured, domestic producers are supported and an effective mechanism of social support is created.

After the completion of the pilot, the project is planned to be scaled up to other regions, covering more than 245 thousand recipients of the ASP, providing a transparent and fair mechanism for targeted support of socially vulnerable citizens.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mti/press/news/details/1048054?lang=kk