Putin and Abdulatipov discuss socio-economic situation in Dagestan

Moscow, August 14, 2015. On August 13, the President RF Vladimir Putin and Dagestan Head Ramazan Abdulatipov have discussed the socioeconomic situation in Dagestan. The working meeting took place in Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region.

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon! I have traditional questions: what are the results of the last six months? What do you see as your next tasks and goals?

R. Abdulatipov: In general, the significant amount of work has been done and we can see quite positive development dynamics in the republic.

Firstly, the main issue was to ensure security of the state and people of the Republic of Dagestan. That is why I was appointed as the Head of Dagestan. The result is that we have lived without terrorist attacks in 2014 year.

Thus, the crime rate has gone down significantly, governance in the republic has been restored and an atmosphere of zero-tolerance of extremism is being created, along with the rotation of administrative personnel in Dagestan’s regions and cities.

I want to appreciate a significant work done by officers of the FSB and the police, Dagestan interior ministry, the investigative committee, the prosecutor's office.

At the same time, we managed to mobilize people for the rejection of extremism and terrorism. Besides, we changed a culture milieu. For example, we have created a center of traditional culture of the peoples of Russia in all 52 districts and cities of Dagestan. This experience can be interesting even for the entire Russian Federation.

In 2012-2013, the Uniform state exam was the most corrupted in Dagestan. Together with the Federal Education and Science Supervision Service, we fought against it in 2014-2015 years and, to date the situation is getting better. I can tell that we even received thanks from the Government of the Russian Federation for fair holding exams.

The staff rotation is in progress. In fact, we have changed about 50 percent of the heads of municipal districts and cities. Now there will be elections in 20 districts and cities of Dagestan.

About economic development. The main goal is to create better conditions for economic growth. The Republic of Dagestan takes place among the top ten regions of Russia in terms of economic development, the industrial production index and agricultural growth. We have recently reviewed progress and concluded that Dagestan gained 10 percent in the gross regional product.

At the same time, of course, the volume is still insufficient, because the fall of the industry made 75 percent, and the agriculture - 70 percent. It is very important to maintain the positive dynamics now.

Thank You and the Government of the Russian Federation to adopt a resolution on the rapid development of the Republic of Dagestan. Today, I have the main request is to speed up the adoption of the region’s development program. The program is prepared, agreed and currently being approved by the Government. I met with Dmitry Medvedev, we have arrived at a common view, so if You agree, then we will be able to solve these issues.

You know, that Dagestan is generally called a country of poets, artists, scholars, and in this direction, we are also doing a lot. For example, we have recently opened the Poetry Theater in Makhachkala.

"The theater develops from Pushkin to Gamzatov ..." - is the project, which, in my opinion, will be interesting to the residents of other regions.

In this regard, thank You for signing the decree on celebration of the 2000th anniversary of founding the city of Derbent, we have prepared seriously enough. The Russian government supported a lot. Of course, we invite You to attend the festivities that takes place in September. Dagestanis are waiting for you on this holiday.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.