JUNE 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The introduction of the PIN code system aims to promote the efficiency of the state government system as well as to relieve government-citizen relations. Minister of Social Security of Armenia Razmik Martirossian said this after the June 6 solemn ceremony of handing PIN codes to around 90 members of the Ministry staff. He stated that the necessity of the system proceeds from Armenia's needs, first of all first of all on the assumption of the effective implementation of reforms in the social security sphere.

The introduction of PIN code numbers, according to the Minister, will essentially promote the targeted nature of family allowances and will secure social fairness in this system. If this program were introduced a day sooner, according to Razmik Martirossian, it would have ensured a growth of 10%-25% of 4-6 billion drams ($7-10 million) in the pension system without increasing the additional social payments. And 1 billion drams would have been saved in the system of family allowances. The minister also emphasized the importance of the system as far as the hidden employment is concerned since unregistered employed people (their number in Armenia is about 150,000-200,000) will face serious problems when retiring.

Along with the law "On PIN codes" the law "On Personal Data" has also been adopted, which states that the personal data of each person are protected and may be used in case of necessity only and in case this person is aware. As regards the fact that some people shift the introduction of this system to the "mystique field", the minister said that once true information is ensured this will disperse all doubts with many people. Meanwhile, he pointed out that clergymen are currently getting acquainted with all the materials related to the program and if they have any suggestions the ministry is ready to discuss them.

There are approximately 30,000 citizens that have received PIN codes so far and 300,000 people who have applied for it. It should be noted that beginning from June 1, PIN codes will be obligatorily used when paying salaries to the citizens, appointing and paying pensions, allowances or compensations stipulated by the state or non-state programs social security and insurance, as well as when opening a bank account for citizens and other important procedures. A PIN code is a combination of 10 figures, which is formed on the bases of a citizen's gender, date of birth, month and year. It is a unique number and is given to citizens only once for free and is not subject to changes in the future.