On the budget policy in the Vitebsk region and "Belaya Rus". Interview with the head of the Vitebsk region's parliamentary corps, Vladimir Terentyev
How did "Belaya Rus" participate in the discussion of the draft law on the All-Belarusian People's Assembly? What does the regional organization do in the Vitebsk region? What are the priority areas of budget policy in the Vitebsk region? This is discussed in a conversation with the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the RPO "Belaya Rus", Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev.
— At the end of October, the Republican Public Association "Belaya Rus" actively joined the discussion of the draft law on the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Dialogue platforms and meetings in labor collectives to discuss the draft law were organized by all 26 organizational structures of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the RPO "Belaya Rus". Chairmen of district and primary organizations, deputies of all levels, and activists of the RPO "Belaya Rus" actively participated. The main concern for people was how to ensure that representatives of every locality and profession, different social groups, ages, and educational levels were included in the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Only then will the All-Belarusian People's Assembly become a true organ of people's democracy, and together we will be able to make our lives better.
For 15 years, "Belaya Rus" has proven itself in social projects and socio-political work. Therefore, it seems absolutely right to me that this part of our society will also be represented in the new supreme body of people's power.
— Who has "Belaya Rus" united in the Vitebsk region and what does the regional organization do?
— We have almost 20,000 members. They are all united by a common value system, a sense of patriotism, an active civic position, initiative, and a desire to be useful to society and the state.
Our organization is funded solely by membership fees. And thanks to this, we have the opportunity to implement social projects. We help territorial centers, prto organizations, schools, and individuals. Every day, let the members of "Belaya Rus" perform some good deeds, even small ones, throughout the region.
Today, we are primarily engaged in social projects, although when major public events are held, "Belaya Rus" leads many of these processes. It is enough to recall the recent presidential elections. The initiative group for collecting signatures for the Head of State in the region was headed by the deputy chairman of the regional organization. Our representatives served as observers or commission members at all polling stations. During such events, our public reception office operates, where meetings with the public are held. We invite managers who can answer pressing questions, and well-known people of the region who have something to say to their fellow citizens.
Gradually, we are growing from a public organization into a socio-political one. This shift is noticeable. Although, I emphasize: while dealing with the political organization of our country, we do not intend to abandon the social projects that ROO "Belaya Rus" implements or participates in. For example, the republican campaign "Our Children," which is held under the patronage of the President of our country.
— I am not only an educator, historian, and manager. I am also a father. When a child enters university, everyone gets nervous – both children and parents. When our elder son was applying, the whole family was worried. Our younger son is only 10 years old, so it's too early to think about admission.
From 2023, final exams in schools for eleventh-graders will be transformed into a centralized exam. I think the most important thing this will bring is less stress for both children and their parents. Because sometimes, excellent mindsChildren get lost when they find themselves in an unfamiliar environment, especially in a foreign city. They say that "home is where the heart is." In a familiar environment, a child will not be nervous and will be able to fully realize their potential. New rules give children the opportunity for a calm admission.
— According to the draft budget of the Vitebsk region for 2023, taking into account changes in budget and tax legislation, the volume of revenues is determined at about 3.9 billion rubles, which is almost 13 percent more than this year. The budget maintains its social orientation. Almost 2.5 billion rubles are envisaged for these purposes next year.
To build new schools, hospitals, and sports facilities, production must work, so we should not forget about its support. Almost 320 million rubles are planned to be allocated for economic development.
As in previous years, capital expenditures are limited. But for the first time, the regional budget provides funds for financing expenditures related to the implementation of civil initiatives to improve the quality of life of the population. We follow the priorities of the people's elected officials, as defined by the Head of State: "To help a specific person, to take a keen interest in their difficult life circumstances, to help out, to support – this is the highest calling of a deputy."
Making Life Better
— The President set the task to adopt the law "On the All-Belarusian People's Assembly" no later than March 2023. In the near future, it is necessary to determine the procedure for the formation and activities of the new governing body, which will make important decisions. Vladimir Vladimirovich, how is "Belaya Rus" involved in this?— At the end of October, the Republican Public Association "Belaya Rus" actively joined the discussion of the draft law on the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Dialogue platforms and meetings in labor collectives to discuss the draft law were organized by all 26 organizational structures of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the RPO "Belaya Rus". Chairmen of district and primary organizations, deputies of all levels, and activists of the RPO "Belaya Rus" actively participated. The main concern for people was how to ensure that representatives of every locality and profession, different social groups, ages, and educational levels were included in the All-Belarusian People's Assembly. Only then will the All-Belarusian People's Assembly become a true organ of people's democracy, and together we will be able to make our lives better.
For 15 years, "Belaya Rus" has proven itself in social projects and socio-political work. Therefore, it seems absolutely right to me that this part of our society will also be represented in the new supreme body of people's power.
— Who has "Belaya Rus" united in the Vitebsk region and what does the regional organization do?
— We have almost 20,000 members. They are all united by a common value system, a sense of patriotism, an active civic position, initiative, and a desire to be useful to society and the state.
Our organization is funded solely by membership fees. And thanks to this, we have the opportunity to implement social projects. We help territorial centers, prto organizations, schools, and individuals. Every day, let the members of "Belaya Rus" perform some good deeds, even small ones, throughout the region.
Today, we are primarily engaged in social projects, although when major public events are held, "Belaya Rus" leads many of these processes. It is enough to recall the recent presidential elections. The initiative group for collecting signatures for the Head of State in the region was headed by the deputy chairman of the regional organization. Our representatives served as observers or commission members at all polling stations. During such events, our public reception office operates, where meetings with the public are held. We invite managers who can answer pressing questions, and well-known people of the region who have something to say to their fellow citizens.
Gradually, we are growing from a public organization into a socio-political one. This shift is noticeable. Although, I emphasize: while dealing with the political organization of our country, we do not intend to abandon the social projects that ROO "Belaya Rus" implements or participates in. For example, the republican campaign "Our Children," which is held under the patronage of the President of our country.
Less Stress
— You have already noted that "Belaya Rus" plays a leading role in all important state campaigns. Now the organization is involved in communicating the new university admission rules to everyone. As an educator, historian, and manager, what are your thoughts on this?— I am not only an educator, historian, and manager. I am also a father. When a child enters university, everyone gets nervous – both children and parents. When our elder son was applying, the whole family was worried. Our younger son is only 10 years old, so it's too early to think about admission.
From 2023, final exams in schools for eleventh-graders will be transformed into a centralized exam. I think the most important thing this will bring is less stress for both children and their parents. Because sometimes, excellent mindsChildren get lost when they find themselves in an unfamiliar environment, especially in a foreign city. They say that "home is where the heart is." In a familiar environment, a child will not be nervous and will be able to fully realize their potential. New rules give children the opportunity for a calm admission.
The Calling to Help
— A few words about your work as Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies. How is the regional budget for next year being formed, what are you focusing on?— According to the draft budget of the Vitebsk region for 2023, taking into account changes in budget and tax legislation, the volume of revenues is determined at about 3.9 billion rubles, which is almost 13 percent more than this year. The budget maintains its social orientation. Almost 2.5 billion rubles are envisaged for these purposes next year.
To build new schools, hospitals, and sports facilities, production must work, so we should not forget about its support. Almost 320 million rubles are planned to be allocated for economic development.
As in previous years, capital expenditures are limited. But for the first time, the regional budget provides funds for financing expenditures related to the implementation of civil initiatives to improve the quality of life of the population. We follow the priorities of the people's elected officials, as defined by the Head of State: "To help a specific person, to take a keen interest in their difficult life circumstances, to help out, to support – this is the highest calling of a deputy."