The Mahalla Institution in New Uzbekistan

From time immemorial, the mahalla has served as an important place on our land where public opinion was formed, people's issues were resolved, and traditions were created.

The fundamental principles of the mahalla's activities in Uzbekistan include legality, the priority of human rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, democracy, transparency, social justice, independence in addressing local issues, public mutual assistance, social partnership, and consideration of local customs and traditions. Citizens, regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, social origin, beliefs, personal, and public status, have equal rights to self-governance.

Citizen self-governance is an integral part of democracy. That is why, in our country, which is confidently moving towards forming a strong legal state and a fair civil society, the role and significance of the mahalla as a democratic governance system are increasing. The relevant goals and objectives were defined in the Presidential Decree "On Measures to Improve the Socio-Spiritual Atmosphere in Society, Further Support the Mahalla Institution, and Elevate the System of Working with Families and Women to a New Level" dated February 18, 2020. Over the past period, comprehensive measures have been implemented to introduce an effective cooperation system based on the principle of "mahalla - sector - People's Reception - mahalla," ensuring the mahalla's real establishment as a reliable bridge between citizens and the state.

Speaking about the development of the mahalla institution, one cannot ignore the unique "mahallabay" system proposed by the President. Under this system, in each Mahalla Citizens' Gathering (MCG), commercial banks, mahalla chairpersons, sector leaders, and responsible persons in employment and labor relations, taxation, finance, economic development, and poverty reduction closely interact. Together, they analyze family situations and develop "roadmaps" to address various issues. The "mahallabay" system is implemented in three stages.

As the state and public governance system is being improved, the role of the mahalla in social life is necessarily being strengthened. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly emphasized that a modern mahalla should not only have legal authority but also a sufficient material and technical base to effectively carry out its tasks, serve as a bridge between the people and the state, and always be aware of people's joys and concerns.

Currently, much attention is being given to increasing the role of the mahalla in the country's socio-economic life. To identify and address social problems of concern to the population, mahalla chairpersons now hold discussions and listen to reports from relevant state authorities and organizations. Additionally, the "mahalla control" and "mahalla chairperson's request" institutions operate.

Today, it can be said that the mahalla has become a major social force capable of solving any problem and guiding citizens on the right path. A solid regulatory and legal framework is in place, assigning special responsibilities to self-governing bodies. Specifically, the mahalla is tasked with assisting low-income families, allocating and paying benefits to families with minor children, and addressing socio-economic and cultural development issues while resolving emerging conflicts.

As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized, "Today, as a logical continuation of this course, we have developed the Development Strategy for New Uzbekistan. At its core are tasks to build a people-centered and humane state that ensures the legitimate interests and well-being of every citizen, regardless of nationality, language, and religion, based on the further development of a free civil society. In other words, full implementation of our priority principle: 'For the honor and dignity of a person.' From now on, our activities will be organized within the new paradigm 'person - society - state.'"

In Arabic, "mahalla" means "place" or "district" and represents a territorial community encompassing small settlements or parts of cities, ensuring proximity between governance and the population while strengthening social ties. The mahalla provides assistance to those in need, including large families, pensioners, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. It helps citizens with document processing and organizes charitable events. The mahalla institution is a unique social and administrative structure playing a crucial role in local self-governance and ensuring interaction between citizens and government agencies. MCGs often host cultural, educational, and sports events, fostering community connections. The mahalla is also responsible for territory improvement, environmental protection, construction, and public facility repairs. In recent years, the mahalla's role in local governance has strengthened, aligning with reform objectives aimed at improving the quality of life.

The mahalla is a direct participant in the country's youth policy. Under the President’s initiative, the system of working with the younger generation in MCGs has been significantly improved. Effective electronic platforms such as "Youth Notebook" and "Youth Portal" have been introduced, along with mechanisms for direct dialogue between leaders and young citizens. One such mechanism is the introduction of a youth leader position in mahallas, acting as a direct representative of the President. This work follows a four-stage structure: mahalla - district - region - republic, ensuring vertical integration that enhances efficiency.

Youth programs have been developed for each mahalla in the republic, addressing issues and suggestions voiced by young people. These programs focus on solving employment problems, organizing leisure activities, and engaging youth in craftsmanship, sewing, ecological awareness, and a healthy lifestyle. Various events, including educational programs, interactive games for children, and special gatherings for citizens, are regularly held to provide legal information and introduce innovations across different fields.

Another vital area of the mahalla’s work is protecting women’s rights and interests, offering vocational training, and promoting entrepreneurship. To this end, the "Women's Notebook" was created to assist women in difficult social situations. Special attention is given to employment, self-employment, housing rent compensation, and providing material, medical, legal, and psychological assistance to women listed in this notebook.

The strategic goals of the current stage of reforms in New Uzbekistan are aimed at building a democratic state. The mahalla plays a crucial role in fostering social activity among citizens, strengthening guarantees for protecting their rights and legal interests, and fundamentally reforming the organizational and legal mechanisms to ensure a healthy and stable socio-spiritual environment. The effective functioning of self-governing bodies is one of the key factors ensuring the conscious and active participation of people in implementing large-scale reforms.

Dilroramkhon Kambarova, 

Professor at Fergana State University,

Associate Professor, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.