The issue of the culture of everyday life was discussed at a meeting chaired by the chairman of the regional executive committee.
Ah, the festival, the festival... For the residents of the regional center, participants, and guests, it becomes a bright and spectacular celebration every year. However, for those involved in its organization, preparation, and execution, it demands maximum exertion of organizational skills, practical resourcefulness, and foresight.
Consider, for example, the issue of selling alcoholic beverages during the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk." At a recent operational meeting chaired by the head of the regional executive committee, this was highlighted as a primary concern. Indeed, how can a celebration be organized while adhering to the requirements of the Law on Cultural and Mass Events regarding the establishment of a 500-meter alcohol-free zone, when the festival is buzzing in practically every corner of the city center?
The head of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the regional executive committee, Viktor Senko, categorically opposed the sale of alcohol in the center of Vitebsk during the festival through temporary trade outlets. He believes that it is not a sin to relax with a drink during a holiday, but it should be done in moderation and in a civilized setting – in stationary cafes and restaurants, according to law enforcement officials. As recent celebrations of City Day and Independence Day have shown, otherwise, approximately 50 citizens, "dead drunk," have to be brought to the police from Victory Park daily.
It seems there is nothing to object to. Many of our citizens simply cannot stop in time when it comes to consuming alcohol! They lack a drinking culture. Or, more accurately, a culture of being. For our people, a holiday is not a joy without alcohol. I can easily imagine that both local residents and guests, who constitute the majority in the center of Vitebsk during the festival, would gladly socialize at a table in a cozy cafe on Zamkovaya Street, instead of spreading a newspaper somewhere on the parapet of the Western Dvina embankment.
But... Have you seen many cafes in the center of Vitebsk? And have you tried to find a free seat during festival days? And were the prices acceptable to you? That's exactly the point! We are talking about the fact that the catering industry in the center of our cultural northern capital is not designed for such a massive influx of visitors as it is during the festival. And there is only one way out – outdoor trade on the streets.
They tried to do without it and make the festival zone completely alcohol-free at the request of one high-ranking comrade 11 years ago. "Slavianski Bazaar" had never seen such a lack of people as it did that summer! The "best in the world" Vitebsk audience voted against the innovation, unanimously ignoring the sober holiday.
By the way, as reported by Irina Levkovich, head of the trade and services department of the regional executive committee, the contingent of buyers of alcoholic beverages and their preferences have been changing over the past five to six years. Sales of vodka and fruit and berry wines during the festival decreased by about 10 (in 2014 – by 13) percent. However, more beer and non-alcoholic beverages are sold. Sales of kvass, ice cream, and confectionery have noticeably increased. This indicates that the Vitebsk public is learning to spend their time more culturally every year.
Nevertheless, these issues must be under the control of the relevant services, which must perform their work with high quality, - summed up the discussion of the problem by the chairman of the regional executive committee, instructing the internal affairs department of the regional executive committee to prevent citizens in a state of intoxication from entering places of mass gathering of people, including with children, in order to avoid unpleasant incidents. Moreover, the police must work not only on detaining drunkards but also on preventing intoxication, politely warning an intoxicated person that it is time to stop.
When considering current issues related to ensuring the operation of the region's national economy complex, special attention was paid to wage payments. As of July 1, 219 business entities were in arrears to their employees.
Agriculture is of particular concern to the regional administration. As reported by Sergey Dogel, Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food of the Regional Executive Committee, about 170 agricultural enterprises have wage arrears. In April-May, part of these arrears was paid off through in-kind payments.
– Wages are primary, regardless of the economic situation, – emphasized Nikolay Sherstnev. He instructed the regional agricultural production committee and processing enterprises to find reserves for wage payments.
Reporting on the progress of fodder harvesting and preparation for grain harvesting, Sergey Dogel noted that the region has harvested 10.6 feed units per conventional head of cattle. This is the best indicator in the republic, even though not all grasses have been mowed in the Vitebsk region yet. There is a real opportunity to add at least 3 more units to this figure, which will allow exceeding the level of not only 2014 but also the more prosperous 2013 year.
However, there is a problem: funds are needed to purchase diesel fuel. The hope is again for dairy and meat products. The circle closes: if there are fodders, there will be milk and meat, and their sale will provide the necessary money. Today, the region, with the exception of a few districts, shows an increase in milk yield by an average of one and a half liters per cow, but compared to other regions of the country, the Vitebsk region is an outsider in this indicator.
– A solution must be urgently found for the purchase of diesel fuel, not only to avoid stopping fodder harvesting but also to maintain its pace, – the head of the region demanded from the managers. – Working groups should be urgently sent to the districts where a decrease in milk yield has been recorded to clarify the reasons for the current situation and take the necessary measures to eliminate them.
The harvesting campaign will start in the region after July 15 with rapeseed harvesting. More than 1800 grain harvesters will be involved. The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee has set the Regional Agricultural Production Committee the task of literally controlling every field and every grain harvester to minimize rapeseed and grain losses. Special attention should be paid to the adjustment and setup of equipment.
The state of affairs in industry became a separate topic of discussion. As Nikolai Sherstnev noted, the current crisis is protracted, and a quick economic recovery cannot be expected. Development programs for all sectors should be taken under the strictest control, "breakthrough" areas should be identified, with special attention to the construction sector.
Personnel is a sore point. Everywhere you look, there is a need for managers capable of working in the current difficult conditions. We need to work more thoroughly with the personnel reserve. Today, every competent manager is worth their weight in gold; they should be carefully nurtured and thoroughly trained, believes the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.
After all, in the grand scheme of things, our common culture of existence depends on those who are at the helm...
Lyudmila Myshlyonok,Chief Specialist of the Main Department
of Ideological Work, Culture
and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee