Mahalla as a basis for the formation of civil society
The population of Uzbekistan for thousands of years have been living and continuing to live collectively in the « mahallas »( communities). This is a unique form of social self-organization, the mechanism of self-government, which has the roots in the best traditions and historically formed community relations. After gaining its independence in 1991, « mahalla » has been enriched with new content in Uzbekistan. Mahalla is an entire system of relations between inhabitants of one quarter, which has influenced on the development of Uzbek traditions and life style. Today it serves as a form of social self-government, plays a special role among the population, facilitating the decentralization of power and a change in the manner in which society and the state interact. Thanks to independence, Mahalla continues to prove its modernity, perceptivity to everything what is new and modern. Mahallas today are managed not only by highly life-experienced, dedicated, noble, honest people, but also by erudite, innovative thinking, enterprising, able to freely use the most modern ICT citizens. Present mahalla, as always, deeply and keenly feels the spiritual world of each person, each family, and is capable to interact on their full existence, without interfering in their privacy. One of the articles of the Constitution of the Uzbekistan is dedicated to mahalla. The legal status of today’ s mahalla is fixed by the national legislation and qualitative changes of its activities a legally determined. Further development of the legal framework of Mahalla, strengthening its mechanisms for the effective functioning is continuing to be a priority today.
The « Concept of Further Deepening Democratic Reforms and Establishing Civil Society in the Country » adopted in Uzbekistan gave an impetus to strengthening of the role of Mahalla. The Concept also leads us to further improve the organizational foundations for the functioning of the Mahalla self-governing institution; expansion of its functions and ensuring close interaction with state power and management bodies; transformation of the Mahalla into a central constituent of social support of the population; development of private entrepreneurship and family business; and further expansion of the functions of Mahalla within the system of public control over the activity of state management bodies. About 10 thousand self-governing bodies across Uzbekistan- 8385 Mahallas in the cities and 1615 in rural area contribute to addressing social and economic problems nationwide. They perform more than 30 functions, including cultural and recreational activities, exercise public control over the activity of state bodies, involve in the implementation of governmental programs and perform many other functions. Mahalla also widely facilitating in the organization of businesses, the creation of special advisory centers to promote business; further strengthening of the system of enhancing the professional skills of the citizens. Nothing can be comparable to the role and importance of mahalla in the moral and material support, the formation of a young family, providing it with the necessary support and assistance. This engagement is
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