GAVAR, MAY 18, NOYAN TAPAN. The number of those receiving poverty benefits in Gegharkunik marz increased in the first quarter of 2006 compared with last year. Thus, in 2004, their number made 11,722, in 2005 - 11,547, while in the first quarter of 2006 - 12,013. NT correspondent was informed at the Health and Social Security Department of the Gegharkunik regional administration staff that this increase in the number of beneficiaries is explained by the fact that the government has lowered the level of the poverty assessment unit and reduced the expected amount of income from a cow. The number of beneficiaries in the regions of Gegharkunik marz in the first quarter of 2006 was as follows: Martuni - 4,599, Gavar - 1,824, Sevan - 1,805, Vardenis - 2,385 and Chambarak - 1,400.

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