Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the ceremony of presenting credentials at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
"What is really important is to ensure that the people not just know, but feel the real effects of this," Putin said.
MOSCOW, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that 26 out of the 38 targets set under the National Projects were met last year, TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.
"What is really important is to ensure that the people not just know, but feel the real effects of this," he was quoted as saying in the third episode of an interview entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin."
Putin mentioned the progress of the slum clearance plan in particular among last year's achievements, which he said were "more than anticipated."
He also noted that Russia's demographic situation had improved, with an increased life expectancy and the mortality rate having decreased significantly.
Putin set the key goals of the 12 National Projects and the Comprehensive Plan for Upgrading and Expanding Core Infrastructure for Russia until 2024 in a decree signed in May 2018.
It outlined a roadmap of strategic development in healthcare, demographics, education, environmental protection, housing and urban environment, road construction, science, digital economy, labor productivity and employment, culture, international cooperation and exports and small and medium-sized businesses.
The total budget of the National Projects will reach 25.7 trillion rubles (399 billion U.S. dollars) by 2024. ■
