Kyrgyzstan Launches the Universal Child Benefit Programme “Bala Yrysy”

Bishkek, 1 June 2026 — A press conference was held at the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic to announce the launch of the universal child benefit programme “Bala Yrysy”. The event brought together the Minister of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kanat Sagynbaev, representatives of the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the State Institution Tunduk, and members of the media.

Opening the event, Minister Kanat Sagynbaev emphasized that the programme’s launch on 1 July is the result of the Kyrgyz Republic President’s consistent policy to support families, motherhood, and childhood. The new initiative will become one of the country’s largest family support measures, aimed at strengthening human capital, reducing the risk of child poverty, and creating equal opportunities for every child from the earliest days of life.

“On 21 May 2026, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic signed a Decree introducing the universal child benefit ‘Bala Yrysy’. This is a historic decision that will affect every family raising young children. The State is assuming additional responsibility for supporting children during the most important years of their lives.

According to the National Statistical Committee, between 440,000 and 470,000 children under the age of three will be eligible for the benefit. The Government plans to allocate approximately KGS 6.4 billion annually for the programme, including around KGS 3.1 billion in 2026 following its launch on 1 July.

Bala Yrysy is more than a benefit. It is an investment in the health, development, and well-being of our children, and therefore in the future of Kyrgyzstan. We are steadily building a system in which every child receives support from the State regardless of their family’s social status,” the Minister said.

Special attention is being given to the digitalization of public services during the programme’s implementation. All information required for benefit registration will be processed through the Tunduk interagency electronic data exchange system, significantly simplifying the application process and eliminating the need for families to collect numerous documents.

In this regard, citizens are encouraged to ensure that their personal and family information is up to date and digitized. This will facilitate timely benefit registration and the efficient delivery of government support.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Samman Jung Thapa, described the launch of the programme as an important milestone in strengthening the country’s social protection system.

“The Bala Yrysy programme is an investment in the future of Kyrgyzstan. Supporting families during a child’s early years contributes to better child health, optimal development, and the strengthening of the country’s human capital. We welcome this important step by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and its commitment to placing children at the centre of public policy,” he said.

During the press conference, representatives of the State Institution Tunduk demonstrated the features of the mobile application through which parents will be able to submit benefit applications electronically, significantly improving access to the service.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health highlighted the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception through the age of three—which are considered the most critical period for physical, cognitive, and emotional development. It is during this time that the foundation for lifelong health and well-being is established.

The launch of the Bala Yrysy programme aligns with the objectives of the National Development Programme of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030, which identifies investments in children and young people as a key driver of sustainable economic growth, social stability, and improved quality of life.