Anti-crisis package of Russian govt passes 1st reading in State Duma

MOSCOW. March 4 (Interfax) - A government package of socioeconomic measures aimed at dealing with Western sanctions passed the first reading at a plenary meeting of the State Duma on Friday.

The bill allows the government to additionally raise non-contributory pensions, pension points and the fixed pension payment in 2022, and specifies the procedure for establishing the subsistence minimum and the minimal wage in Russia.

The bill liberalizes the procurement of drugs and medical goods in the domestic market, introduces special rules for drug registration, allows the government to adjust terms of pharmaceutical licensing, and envisages restrictions on the exports of certain types of drugs. Until the end of this year, the Social Insurance Fund is allowed to procure rehabilitation equipment, such as prosthetic appliances or wheelchairs, from a sole supplier.

The bill allows the government to adjust the rules of admission to Russian higher educational establishments for Russians who have had to stop their education abroad due to the actions of foreign states.

The bill has a number of provisions to support business in Russia.

For instance, inspections of small and medium businesses and IT companies will be suspended until the end of this year, and the procedure and terms of public procurements will be liberalized. The bill specifies the application of laws on companies, including the norms of calculation of the value of net assets in 2022, as well as lending laws. The government will be able to derogate from certain licensing and accreditation norms and legislation in the field of shared construction and intellectual property.

The government law was submitted to the State Duma on Thursday night.