The demographic problems of the Pskov region and the main approaches to solving them at the level of the regional state authorities

Abstract

Speaking of the demographic situation in the Pskov region, Mrs. Vera Yemelyanova, the deputy governor of the Pskov region, emphasised: An extremely difficult demographic situation has developed in the region. If we follow the default scenario, we will not stabilise it. Thus, our way is active and innovative. There is a need to control the migration process and create favourable conditions for population. Keeping this in mind, the regional administration in collaboration with the experts of the North-West Academy of Public Administration prepared the draft of the Comprehensive programme for demographic development of the Pskov region until 2015. To date, it has been decided to hold public hearing regarding this document. Public participation in the discussion about the draft governmental decisions affecting everyone is of utmost importance. The demographic situation in Russia, especially in the last twenty years, has been deteriorating. The trends of the last decades signify that the economy of our country will be facing labour shortage. The reduction in financing and lack of due attention to the development of education system persistent over the last decades resulted in lower qualifications of the younger generation. The elder generation cannot compensate for labour shortage, for instance, due to high mortality rate and shrinking number of available highquality medical services. Owing to the deterioration of financial situation of most citizens, major purchases, including housing, which are a necessary condition for forming a family and giving birth to next generations of RusMikhail Yelsukov