The government of Azerbaijan, like almost every other government around the world, has been faced with great challenges caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. These challenges require careful consideration of the top priorities and the most vulnerable groups of the population to receive urgent assistance. Therefore, the Azerbaijani government announced its decision to bear half of the tuition fees of students who belong to low-income families.

A relevant decree was signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov on 13 April. A total of and USD 23.5 million will be allocated from the 2020 state budget for the implementation of this plan. The direct beneficiaries of this project are the full-time students on a paid basis (except for the second higher and specialised secondary education), according to the announced decision which was published on the website of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers.

One the one hand, this decision reflects how the government values education as one of the most important sectors, which significantly contribute to the long-term growth and development of the country’s economy. On the other hand, it also proves the government’s strategic direction to take care of families that are less fortunate in the community. Such a decision assures those families that they are cared for.

Additionally, the benefits of this fund will cover the parents of the targeted students or their legal representatives who fall into one of the following categories: persons with I and II degree disabilities, those registered as unemployed, labor pensioners by age and recipients of age-related social benefits. The special programme will be executed in line with the government’s response to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Simultaneously, on the same day, Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decree to increase the limit of preferential use of electricity for the population from 300 kWh to 400 kWh. Hereby, the electricity supplier company, Azerishig OJSC, will receive USD 5.88 million from the state budget in order to facilitate its work for a continuous supply of electricity amid the coronavirus pandemic, as most people are staying at home.

 The first case of coronavirus was recorded in Azerbaijan on 28 February 2020. Until the end of April, the country had more than 1,760 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 476 of them were still in treatment after 1,267 of the patients recovered. The coronavirus recover rate in Azerbaijan until the end of April was nearly 72%, which is one of the highest among the OIC member countries. The fatality rate in Azerbaijan was 1.3% after 23 patients passed away as of 30 April.