During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the spring parliamentary session, Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of the Federation Council, announced that senators, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, have established fundamental standards for supporting student families. Matviyenko emphasized that these standards represent a mandatory minimum level of assistance, with any additional support being highly encouraged.
Matviyenko clarified that these support measures encompass special university-provided allowances for student mothers, the provision of distinct family accommodations within dormitories, and the creation of dedicated mother-and-child rooms to facilitate student mothers` attendance at lectures.
She also highlighted the recent successful organization of the inaugural All-Russian Festival for Student Families, which drew participants from all regions of the country. The festival took place at Bauman Moscow State Technical University, which has already developed conceptual designs for student family living spaces and children`s areas within its dormitory facilities.
According to the parliamentary representative, the number of student families saw a 17% increase by the close of 2024.
Furthermore, the Federation Council continues to oversee a comprehensive program focused on upgrading children`s recreation infrastructure. Matviyenko reported that 67 regions have already joined this initiative. As part of the program, 254 new facilities have been constructed, and 98 existing sites have undergone significant capital repairs, including essential dining halls and medical centers. These improvements are critical given the prior deterioration of much of the existing infrastructure. Through these efforts, 150,000 new spaces for children`s recreation have been created, and the work in this vital area is slated to continue.
It was also noted that children`s camps previously acquired through unlawful privatization are being reclaimed and returned to state ownership. In some instances, private businesses in various regions are voluntarily transferring such properties back to the state.
The Federation Council Speaker also voiced concerns regarding the condition of certain children`s recreation facilities. She cited an example involving the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Plant, a notably affluent enterprise, which, at the governor`s request, transferred the once-renowned “Prometheus” children`s camp in a state of complete disrepair. Matviyenko reiterated the Federation Council`s support for Governor Igor Artamonov`s endeavors to restore this camp, expressing profound bewilderment at such a negligent approach toward crucial public assets.
