MOSCOW, June 24 (RAPSI) – The State Duma adopted a bill on support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide socially beneficial services on Friday.

During the speech to the Federation Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that those NGOs, which built a reputation as loyal partners of government, should receive a number of privileges, up to 10% of regional and municipal social programs’ funds.

In March a group of the State Duma lawmakers filed a bill on introduction of a new “socially beneficial NGOs” with the lower house of parliament. Such status may be received by a socially-oriented NGO that provide quality socially beneficial services for at least a year, does not have a “foreign agent” status and does not have tax or other debts to the government. Such NGOs will receive prioritized support from the government. Support measures will be designed by Russian government.