Meeting with Novgorod Region Governor Andrei Nikitin

Andrei Nikitin Nikitin AndreiGovernor of Novgorod Region reported that the military-industrial complex in the region has expanded by nearly 160 percent in recent years. However, there is a notable shortage of personnel, and there is a need to rejuvenate the workforce in this sector. To address this, funding has
been allocated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the Professionality programme, aiming to meet the demand for young professionals
over the next 2.5 years. Renovations are underway for college buildings, and new equipment is being bought. Additionally, civilian enterprises are
contributing to the objectives of the special military operation.
Industrial production has grown by 116 percent, indicating positive results across all sectors.
The governor mentioned the President’s instruction for a pilot project focused on long-term care for the sick. Early results show a nearly 40 percent reduction in hospitalisations and a 30 percent decrease in ambulance calls. Additionally, nearly 1,600 care
assistants have been recruited, and about 1,000 individuals who were previously
out of the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities are now employed in the economy.
In response to the President’s
comment about the shortage of narrow specialists in the regional healthcare
system, Andrei Nikitin noted that efforts have been made to halt the decline
and begin increasing the number of medical professionals in the region, notably
through the provision of housing. Over the past three years, the number of doctors has risen by about 10 percent, although, as the governor pointed out,
this is still insufficient.
The new pilot project aims to boost
the birth rate and involves three small towns: Borovichi, Valdai, and Staraya
Russa. These towns are transforming their urban environments, including new
housing construction for the first time since the Soviet era. Initial signs of growth have been observed, and efforts will continue with maximum intensity.
The Governor highlighted the increase in real incomes as a key economic indicator, noting that poverty in the region has historically been higher than the national average. Addressing
this issue is crucial, and there is a clear plan in place to reduce it.
The development of a special
economic zone is progressing, with the first three residents already
established. Next year, the GigaFactory will join, focusing on the assembly of TVs and smart speakers.
The discussion also covered various
topics, including school renovations, connecting neighbourhoods to the gas
distribution network, the operations of cultural institutions, and improvements
to the water supply. Additionally, several key projects were addressed, such as the development of a perinatal centre, a veterans’ home, and the restoration of historical architectural monuments in Yaroslav’s Court.
The governor also announced that
next year will see the reconstruction of the theatre building, and restoration
work has already commenced on the Church of Peter and Paul on Sinichya Gora, a unique monument from the late 12th century. In 2025, the second
building of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Centre Intellectual
Electronics – Valdai will be constructed. This facility will serve as a collaborative platform for students, young scientists, industrial partners, and technology business representatives. Additionally, construction of the national
archaeological centre will start this year, and work on the cardiology centre
is set to begin in 2026.
Andrei Nikitin also addressed the challenging issue of landscaping the area around the Novgorod Kremlin, known as Kremlin Park. He expressed gratitude to the President for initiating a dedicated programme for the reconstruction of parks and city centres and said
that Novgorod would take full advantage of this opportunity.
Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of this
project, stating that both the Kremlin and its surrounding areas must be
maintained to a high standard.