The Institute of Mahalla in New Uzbekistan Plays an Important Role in Supporting the Social Activity of Citizens

From time immemorial, in our land, the mahalla has served as an important place where public opinion was formed, problems of the population were solved, and traditions were created.

The main principles of the mahalla in Uzbekistan are legality, the priority of human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests, democracy, publicity, social justice, independence in resolving issues of local importance, 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 social status, have equal rights to self-government.

Self-government of citizens is an inseparable part of democracy. That is why in our country, confidently moving along the path of forming a strong legal state and a fair civil society, the role and importance of the mahalla as a system of democratic governance is increasing. The relevant goals and objectives are defined in the Decree of the President "On measures to improve the socio-spiritual atmosphere in society, further support for the mahalla institution, as well as raising the system of work with families and women to a new level" dated February 18, 2020. Thus, over the past period, comprehensive measures have been implemented in the direction of introducing an effective system of cooperation to identify and solve the problems of the population based on the principle of "mahalla - sector - People's Reception - mahalla", ensuring the real formation of the mahalla as a reliable bridge between citizens and the state. Speaking about the development of the mahalla institution, one cannot fail to mention the unique "mahallabay" system proposed by the President of the country. According to it, in each mahalla citizens' assembly (CMA), commercial banks, mahalla chairmen, sector heads, responsible persons in the field of employment and labor relations, taxation, finance, economic development and poverty reduction closely interact. Together, they study situations in families, draw up "road maps" for solving certain issues. Work on the "mahallabai" system is carried out locally in three stages.
In the process of improving state and public construction, it is imperative to strengthen the role of the mahalla in the life of society. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly noted that a modern mahalla should have not only a legal, but also a sufficient material and technical base for the effective implementation of its tasks, be a bridge between the people and the state, and always be aware of the joys and concerns of the people.
The focus is now on issues of increasing the role of the mahalla in the socio-economic life of the country. For these purposes, in order to identify and eliminate social problems that most worry the population, the practice of holding discussions by the mahalla chairman, listening to information from the heads of relevant state bodies and organizations at the mahalla council has been established. And there are also institutions of "mahalla control" and "request of the mahalla chairman".
Today we can say that the mahalla has become a great social force that is able to solve any problem, direct citizens on the right path. There is a solid legal framework in the sphere, which imposes special responsibility on local government bodies. In particular, the mahalla is called upon to resolve issues of providing assistance to low-income families, the appointment and payment of benefits to families with minor children. It resolves issues of socio-economic and cultural development of citizens, and smooths out emerging conflicts.
As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized: "Today, as a logical continuation of this course, we have developed the Development Strategy of the New Uzbekistan. The central place in it is occupied by the tasks of building a people's and humane state that ensures the legitimate interests and well-being of each of its citizens, regardless of their nationality, language and religion, based on the further development of a free civil society, in a word, the full implementation of our priority principle "In the name of human honor and dignity." From now on, we organize our activities within the framework of the new paradigm "man - society - state." Translated from Arabic, "mahalla" means "place" or "district" and is a territorial public association that covers small settlements or parts of cities, ensuring the proximity of power to the population and strengthening public ties. Provides assistance to those in need, including large families, pensioners, people with disabilities and other socially vulnerable groups. Assists citizens in processing documents and holding charitable events. The institution of the mahalla is a unique social and administrative structure that plays an important role in organizing local self-government and ensuring communication between citizens and government agencies. MCAs often become venues for cultural, educational and sports

events, thereby strengthening public relations. The mahalla is also responsible for issues related to the improvement of territories, environmental protection, construction and repair of public facilities. In recent years, the republic has also seen an increase in the role of the mahalla in the management of local affairs, which is in line with the goals of reforms aimed at improving the quality of life at the local level.
The mahalla is a direct participant in the country's youth policy. At the initiative of the President, the system of working with the younger generation in the SGM has been radically improved. The effective operation of the electronic platforms "youth notebook" and "youth portal" has been established, mechanisms for organizing a direct dialogue between leaders and young citizens have been introduced. One of these is the introduction of the position of youth leader in the mahallas, acting as a direct representative of the President. The work is carried out in four stages: mahalla - district - region - republic. Thus, the verticality of the system is ensured, which makes it more perfect and effective. Youth programs have also been approved in each mahalla of the republic, where all the problems and proposals voiced by young men and women are reflected. They are aimed at solving issues related to ensuring employment of young compatriots, organizing their leisure.
The SGM pays great attention to working with young people by involving young men and women in the implementation of five important initiatives of the President. An important place is given to involving children in handicrafts, sewing, promoting environmental culture and a healthy lifestyle. Events are regularly held to educate the population and students, interactive games for children, special meetings for citizens, where they can get acquainted with environmental campaigns, innovations in various fields, and also receive useful legal information.
Another important area of ​​​​work for the mahalla is protecting the rights and interests of women, teaching them professions and attracting them to entrepreneurship. Thus, for this purpose, a "women's notebook" was created, which is designed to help compatriots in a difficult social situation. When organizing work with women included in this notebook, in mahallas, much attention is paid to their employment, self-employment, payment of compensation for housing rent, provision of material, medical, legal and psychological assistance.
The strategic objectives of the current stage of reforms in New Uzbekistan are aimed at building a democratic state. The mahalla plays an important role in supporting the social activity of citizens, strengthening guarantees for the protection of their rights and legitimate interests, and fundamentally reforming the organizational and legal mechanisms for ensuring a healthy and stable socio-spiritual atmosphere. Effective work of citizens' self-government bodies is one of the factors ensuring conscious and active participation of people in the process of implementing large-scale reforms.

Diloramkhon Kambarova,
Professor of Fergana State University,
Associate Professor, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.