Subject: Reimbursement request for the period 15.05.2020 - 15.06.2020 paid by SESA
From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>, Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>, Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>, Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>, Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>, Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>, "Alicia C. Marguerie" <[email-masked]>, Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>, Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>, Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>, Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>, "[email-masked]" <[email-masked]>, Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>, Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>, "Nino V. Moroshkina" <
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2020 22:12:03 +0000

Dear Maddalena,

Dear Volkan,

As we talked, PIU has started to follow the POM and initiate reimbursement procedures for the Second component of the Georgia Emergency COVID-19 Response Project. As you may remember, the financial support due to Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown orders started in May, 2020 for unemployed people.

Out of four eligible expenditures PIU have received requested documentation, hence finalized two applications submitted by the State Employment Support Agency (SESA) for the first month, namely the period when the one-off and unemployment benefits for the 6 months has started 15.05.2020 - 15.06.2020.  The total reimbursement amount for this period amounts GEL 38,196,600.00 (please see enclosed reimbursement report).

The initial (test) request was sent to SESA on September 18, 2020  (find documents attached), asking following information (a) report on compensations per category (b) filled out form in accordance with the POM (3) financial disbursement evidences and other documentation. Important to say that we also requested information regarding the claims submitted to SESA regarding the compensation. According to their report, SESA started receiving claims on various shortcomings since June 2, 2020. During eligible period total number of letters received were about 500 -550. Only 10, out of these claims are unanswered/unresolved yet.

In addition, please note that as per request from the PIU the Internal Audit Department of the Ministry makes separate  and independent audit and sends us reports (see attached). Their report confirms that in total 98-98 % received compensations by the time of the Audit.

We have collected all documents and now share with you. Pleas advice if you need any additional information to proceed further with the application via Client Connection.

Reimbursement request for SSA will follow, as soon as we receive all requested documentations.

In addition, on October 12,  PIU has started the second round of collecting information and we will receive documents soon which covers period from June 15-to September 15, 2020.

Would you have questions for clarification, please revert back to us at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

ნინო კვერნაძე

პროექტის მენეჯერი,

მსოფლიო ბანკის COVID-19-ის წინააღმდეგ სწრაფი რეაგირების

პროექტის განმახორციელებელი ჯგუფი (PIU),

საქართველოს ოკუპირებული ტერიტორიებიდან დევნილთა, შრომის, ჯანმრთელობისა და სოციალური დაცვის სამინისტრო

www.moh.gov.ge

Nino Kvernadze

Project Manager, PIU – World Bank

Emergency COVID-19 Response Project Implementation Unit

Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia

www.moh.gov.ge

Email: [email-masked]

Cell: +995 599 18 46 44

From: Maddalena Honorati [mailto:[email-masked]]
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2020 1:10 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze ; Volkan Cetinkaya
Cc: Tamar Gabunia ; Tamar Barkalaia ; Djamshid Iriskulov ; Mehek Marwaha ; Nino Ramishvili ; Alicia C. Marguerie ; Lia Tavadze ; Nino Gvenetadze ; Nino Veltauri ; Lika Klimiashvili ; Natalie Godziashvili ; Tamar Tsenteradze ; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze ; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare ; Nino V. Moroshkina ; Beka Jakeli ; Damir Leljak ; Jelena Lukic ; Jelena Lukic
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for the meeting last week and the useful discussion.

We look forward to receiving:

Updated POM with (i) description of the GRM mechanisms for component and sub-component and (ii) updated description of top up benefits for families with three and more children (the eligibility conditions are not correctly specified it should be replaced with "Household with social rating score below 100,001 having three or more children aged 16 and below'' ;

Updated SEP;

Evidence from SESA on reimbursement of one-off and unemployment benefits so we can start the review while you are in the process of collecting other evidence for the reimbursement application;

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 6:18 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>; Damir Leljak <[email-masked]>; Jelena Lukic <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Thank you for your email. We can discuss the GRM in details, during the meeting on Thursday.

The reimbursement application on the first month will be finalized very soon. We have received additional documents from SSA, the SESA will follow.

Best,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: 5 October, 2020 15:37
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>; Damir Leljak <[email-masked]>; Jelena Lukic <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for the answers provided in the POM and on clarifying the questions on the disbursement procedures and currency.

The POM is cleared, though it will need to be updated to describe the current status and plans for the GRMs.  Our comment refers to description of the project specific GRMs, and in particular how complaints from applicants of benefits under component 2 are compiled, addressed, resolved and monitored. Other donors are also interested in the GRM procedures which need to be detailed in the POM (beyond what is in the SEP, which is rather general on the overall project).  We suggest to have a meeting toward the end of this week to discuss the GRM for each component with our E&S colleagues as well and the PIU member responsible for social aspects, and agree on what is needed to update the POM.

We stand ready to receive the reimbursement application on the SP component this week as you planned.  PLease let us know if you need further assistance from the team.

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020 6:36 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>; Damir Leljak <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Since there were few comments left, I am sending the document with answers. If you are fine with the comments/clarifications, I will send the clean version afterwards.

Annex #D is updated, as per request from Nino M.

As for the status of the applications, last week,  PIU has requested officially from both agencies,  all necessary documents for reimbursement of the first month.  SSA already submitted the requested materials, we will go through them soon. SESA also have finalized the list and will send the letter for tomorrow. We plan to send report for no-objection/verification as soon as revision from our side (including Audit) will be completed.  Let’s say the week of October 5, for uploading the application for reimbursement via Client Connection.

As for the disbursement procedures, thank you very much for the kind reminder. Please find the answers below:

submit both applications to WB and AIIB simultaneously (45% of claim against IBRD loan and 55% against AIIB loan) – agreed, the applications will be uploaded simultaneously to both donors. The type will be Reimbursement.

as per DFIL requirements, the SOE with cash transfers will have to verified by TTLs, - noted

Please confirm whether you plan to submit the reimbursement application in GE – since the spending in this component is in GEL, application will also be In GEL.

In addition to mentioned above, please be informed that FM manager already uploaded reimbursement type of Application for 13 mln GEL (WB’s share) under category one. The process will be finalized soon and as long as the issue with AIIB will be resolved, their share 55% will follow.

kind regards,

Nino Kvernadze

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: 22 September, 2020 12:39
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>; Damir Leljak <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Please let us know when you can send the final clean copy of the POM.

We’d appreciate if you could please update us on the status of the planned activities for the preparation of the reimbursement application for social protection benefits as you outlines below in your email.

We had already discussed and just a kind reminder to please:

submit both applications to WB and AIIB simultaneously (45% of claim against IBRD loan and 55% against AIIB loan).

as per DFIL requirements, the SOE with cash transfers will have to verified by TTLs

Please confirm whether you plan to submit the reimbursement application in GEL.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Maddalena

From: Maddalena Honorati
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 10:35 AM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for your email, we look forward to the final clean version of the POM.

Testing the disbursement processes as described in the POM seems a very good idea. We stand ready to support you.

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 4:22 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Beka Jakeli <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Thank you very much for your email. The document has gone through many changes, however we are very glad that content wise we have reached the final version. The remaining comments will addressed, hence tracked. You will get feedback on open ones as well.

In parallel we plan to test POM reimbursement procedures and  start reimbursement of the second component, first as a pilot . Please find the tentative plan below, which of course follows POM process, but with shorter deadlines.  All eligible amounts on first month of disbursement will be requested and we all  will monitor, how the process goes. This will show us how to proceed next with remaining reimbursements, whether request all disbursed amounts at a one shot or divide them.

Pilot

Loan Effectiveness date

Involved entities/institutions

2020

Activities

01-May-20

Q4

September

October

November

Reimbursement of the Expenditures (pilot)

SSA, SESA, internal audit, PIU, MoF, WB, AIIB, F&Ec. Department of the Ministry

X

Request information

PIU

September 16

Submit evidence

SSA, SESA

September 18

Check evidence, request additional information if needed

PIU, Financial and Economic Department of the Ministry, Internal Audit

September (21-28)

No-Objection request to the WB, AIIB with relevant report

PIU

September 28-October 4

Issue of No-objection

WB

Until October 4

Reimburse (through the client connection)

PIU, Ministry of Health, MoF, WB, AIIB

X

All best,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: 12 September, 2020 13:41
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Salome Chakvetadze <[email-masked]>; Prachi Shrikant Tadsare <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks again for the revisions and for addressing our comments. We had reviewed the POM and noted that there are only a couple of comments not addressed. Conditional on accepting the edits and addressing the few pending comments in the attached document, the POM is cleared.

We also confirm that the submitted evidence of the adoption of the Plan of Action and of its implementation is satisfactory to the Bank , hence both the dated legal covenants on personal data protections are considered as met.

Kind regards and congratulations on the implementation progress made ,

Maddalena, on behalf of the team

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 9, 2020 11:10 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

I hope this email finds you well.

Please find enclosed both versions of POM (tracked and clean), along with the latest Procurement Plan. As Nino M. asked, I have replaced the annex #D in the clean version.

In addition, please also find enclosed achieved folder, which contains documents in Georgian, in relation with the Plan of Actions on data protection:

-         The Memorandum of Understanding between the LEPL Revenue Service and SESA, dated on May 14, 2020 on personal data sharing (5.1, B).

-         The Memorandum of Understanding between LEPL Center for Coordination and Emergency Rescue Service and SESA dated on May 25, 2020 on providing personal data to SESA about the „doctors in rural area” program participants ( 5.1, A).

-         The Memorandum of Understanding between SSA and SESA, dated on May 7, 2020 on sharing a list of recipients of compensation to the National Bureau of Enforcement ( 5.1, C).

-         The Memorandum of Understanding between SESA and the National Bureau of Enforcement dated on July 17, 2020 on personal data sharing on the program beneficiaries (5.1, F).

-         The Order on „Protection of Personal Data” dated on November 14, 2018 N04-721 /O, on the list of identified employees authorized to access the information portal in structural and territorial units ( 2.1).

-         The Order on “the Person Responsible for Saving and Processing Personal Data” dated on May 1, 2020 No. 05-12о, appoints specific employee of SESA as a responsible for collecting and processing personal information available at the Agency ( 5.3).

-         The Agreement dated on May 14, 2020 between LEPL Public Service Development Agency, LEPL – Data Exchange Agency and SESA on sharing electronic database between DEA and SESA in accordance to the framework established by the contract. (5.1, D)

-         The Agreement dated on July 22, 2020 between MoILHSA, LEPL - State Employment Support Agency, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and LEPL Operative -Technical Agency on sharing information regarding crossing the border between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, SESA and Ministry of Infrastructure. ( 5.1 E). This particular document is a substitute to the Memorandum, dated on  July 10, 2020 mentioned in the Plan of Action. However it serves the same purpose.

Please note that some actions will be implemented later on, however PIU will request updated information from the implementing agencies (SESA, SSA) on quarterly basis and will inform you accordingly.

Furthermore, if we agree on  POM, PIU will start reimbursement procedures as it is depicted in the POM in details, involving random checks and other verification processes.

Once again, many thanks to everyone!

Best regards,

Nino Kvernadze

From: Maddalena Honorati [mailto:[email-masked]]
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2020 4:26 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents
Importance: High

Dear Nino,

A kind reminder on the final version of the  POM (both clean and in track changes with all comments addressed) as well as the MOUs.

There were minor questions pending which I believe could be addressed. Our Country Director and KfW are also pending requesting the final version of the POM.

Thanks for your understanding

Maddalena

From: Maddalena Honorati
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 5:38 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for your email.

We look forward to receiving the sharable information on the MOUs that you can kindly prepare and the versions of the POM.

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 5:30 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Hope you are doing well. Thank you for your email.

We are finalizing the POM. You will receive both cleaned and tracked versions within a day or two.

Regarding the personal data protection, as it is mentioned in the Action Plan, number of actions are already implemented and the documents (MOUs, Agreements, etc) are submitted to the PIU, in Georgian.  It  was requested from the Ministry, to hide some personal information of specific employees and only then share it with other institutions. In general there are 8 such type of documents. We will start preparing them accordingly and share it with you afterwards.

I hope this information helps,

Best regards,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 2:22 PM
To: Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

Many thanks and well received. We’ll wait PIU’s answer to the pending questions , with Djamshid’s support.

We’d appreciate if the PIU could please send the final version of the POM with all questions addressed (both tracked and clean versions) .

With kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:44 AM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: Re: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Maddalena,

Dear Colleagues,

Please find enclosed the updated version of the POM.

All my answers to your questions are highlighted in blue.

GoG has recently issued new amendments to the Resolution 286: Resolution 505, and 522. Please see Annex D for further details.

Part with severe disabilities: agreed, deleted.

Statistics for the TSA updated.

Table on GEL200 benefits was deleted and substituted by new statistics.

There are few questions that need to be addressed by the PIU and Djamshid (see in the POM)

Questions regarding RS have been addressed by the RS colleagues and incorporated in the text of the POM.

GRM - it is only reference to the SEP that is mentioned in the document.

As for your questions:

1.      Disbursement: In description of processes for all TSA, it is written that PIU will submit withdrawal application once request for payment is issued by SSA/SESA. PIU will not submit withdrawal application each time it gets request for reimbursement from SSA/SESA. Disbursement is done in accordance with approved 6M forecasts, and reimbursement to SSA/SESA will be conducted from advance received to designated account.

Here is an answer from Nino K:

This is an issue which the PIU addressed immediately at the beginning. It took some time to discuss the financial arrangements with the MoF and the State Treasury. The following approach was proposed as a result of the consultations, meaning that since the expenditures are already paid from Government funds and should be reimbursed from the Loan funds, the use of Reimbursement type of application will be requested. Hence, no advance payment will be requested from our side, apart from what was requested already.

2.      Internal audit: It is great that PIU together with Internal Audit will be conducting random checks, it should be mentioned in the text that PIU/Internal Audit Department will share any findings immediately with the World Bank/AIIB team”.

It is agreed

3.      Page 16: “Application and registration procedures have been simplified to facilitate access to the TSA” – It will help a lot if it is elaborated, how it is simplified.

You can see it in the of the POM

4.      Page 16: “Recertification procedures for all TSA beneficiaries have been postponed, allowing beneficiaries to remain in the program; and fewer documents are required to apply in case it is the first application” – Again what does it mean fewer documents? Can one person get registered in the system with passport/ID details, is it what by “fewer documents” meant? Regarding recertification, how it was done before the pandemic, was it physical check to check whether indeed person deserves an assistance? Or it was done automatically by exchange of information through different sources eg: Revenue Service?

You can see it in the of the POM

5.      Page 16: “Based on the amendment to the Resolution N286 (N311, May 18, 2020) the expanded temporary cash benefits can be transferred with other social benefits, including pension” – Not clear. Does this mean, all benefits are transferred at once as a lump sum payment? Each benefit is not transferred individually?

You can see it in the of the POM

6.      Page 16: “Benefits will be transferred to the beneficiary accounts at the Liberty Bank” – I do suggest just as a matter of clarity to add, “it is required to open a bank account in the Liberty Bank, if beneficiary has no bank account in the Liberty Bank”.

You can see it in the of the POM.

Should you have any questions for clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Best regards, Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 12:15 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked] <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino,

I hope this email finds you well.

Please advise when you can send back the revised POM addressing our last set of clarification questions. We look forward to receiving the final version and start implementing component 2.

We acknowledge receipt of the Ordinance N01-414/o August 17/2020 “On approval of the plan of the actions performed and to be carried out by the Ministry, in response to the undertaken obligations to ensure the proper protection of personal data within the framework of the Emergency COVID-19 Response Project”. We accept the ordinance as evidence of partial accomplishment of the second legal covenant on personal data protection which refers to both  the “adoption” of a plan of action (met) and “implementation” of the plan. With regard to the second part of the legal covenant we’d appreciate whether you could please submit evidence of that the ministry “began to implement” some actions in the plan (for example MOUs).

We are pleased to have received the amendment of the Annual Audit Plan 2020  in favor of the Project components through the Ordinance N01-411/o August/16/2020 “On amendment made to the Ordinance N01-438/o

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Maddalena

From: Maddalena Honorati
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 7:21 PM
To: 'Nino Kvernadze' <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

Dear Nino ,

Many thanks for sending the revised POM , GDM and the internal orders.

We’ll get back on the GDM later this week. Meanwhile we have reviewed the revised POM and are very pleased to see the revised POM, which is in very good shape. We very much liked the clarity of the step-by-step description of implementation processes for each benefit and the visuals. Many thanks for addressing previous comments.

We have minor clarification questions in the attached version of the POM as well as the following comments for you to please address:

1.      Disbursement: In description of processes for all TSA, it is written that PIU will submit withdrawal application once request for payment is issued by SSA/SESA. PIU will not submit withdrawal application each time it gets request for reimbursement from SSA/SESA. Disbursement is done in accordance with approved 6M forecasts, and reimbursement to SSA/SESA will be conducted from advance received to designated account.

2.      Internal audit: It is great that PIU together with Internal Audit will be conducting random checks, it should be mentioned in the text that PIU/Internal Audit Department will share any findings immediately with the World Bank/AIIB team”.

3.      Page 16: “Application and registration procedures have been simplified to facilitate access to the TSA” – It will help a lot if it is elaborated, how it is simplified.

4.      Page 16: “Recertification procedures for all TSA beneficiaries have been postponed, allowing beneficiaries to remain in the program; and fewer documents are required to apply in case it is the first application” – Again what does it mean fewer documents? Can one person get registered in the system with passport/ID details, is it what by “fewer documents” meant? Regarding recertification, how it was done before the pandemic, was it physical check to check whether indeed person deserves an assistance? Or it was done automatically by exchange of information through different sources eg: Revenue Service?

5.      Page 16: “Based on the amendment to the Resolution N286 (N311, May 18, 2020) the expanded temporary cash benefits can be transferred with other social benefits, including pension” – Not clear. Does this mean, all benefits are transferred at once as a lump sum payment? Each benefit is not transferred individually?

6.      Page 16: “Benefits will be transferred to the beneficiary accounts at the Liberty Bank” – I do suggest just as a matter of clarity to add, “it is required to open a bank account in the Liberty Bank, if beneficiary has no bank account in the Liberty Bank”.

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 11:33 AM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Nino Ramishvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Tamar Tsenteradze <[email-masked]>
Subject: Covid -19 Emergency Project Documents

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Dear Volkan,

As per Project covenants, please find attached:

1.      The Draft of the Global Budget Reimbursement Manual;

2.      The Final Draft of Project Operation Manual, which as you have requested was shared with Nino Moroshkina and Djamshid Iriskulov last week.

3.      Evidence of the Data Protection Covenants, namely the Ordinance N01-414/o August 17/2020 “On approval of the plan of the actions performed and to be carried out by the Ministry, in response to the undertaken obligations to ensure the proper protection of personal data within the framework of the Emergency COVID-19 Response Project”, along with the corresponding Annex.

4.      Following the request from the PIU, the amendment was made in the Annual Audit Plan 2020  of the Ministry, in favour of the Project components. Hence, we are sharing with you the Ordinance N01-411/o August/16/2020 “On amendment made to the Ordinance N01-438/o, dated December 27, 2019 of the Annual Plan 2020 of the Internal Audit Department of the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia.

All best,

Nino Kvernadze

ნინო კვერნაძე

პროექტის მენეჯერი,

მსოფლიო ბანკის COVID-19-ის წინააღმდეგ სწრაფი რეაგირების

პროექტის განმახორციელებელი ჯგუფი (PIU),

საქართველოს ოკუპირებული ტერიტორიებიდან დევნილთა, შრომის, ჯანმრთელობისა და სოციალური დაცვის სამინისტრო

www.moh.gov.ge

Nino Kvernadze

Project Manager, PIU – World Bank

Emergency COVID-19 Response Project Implementation Unit

Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia

www.moh.gov.ge

Email: [email-masked]

Cell: +995 599 18 46 44

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2020 1:32 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>
Subject: FW: POM and related questions

Dear Nino,

In follow up to the email below, I ‘d like to elaborate more on the required parts of the POM as there are still missing parts , including description of the disbursement arrangements for the expansion of the TSA and benefits to vulnerable households , including large hh with children (subcomponent 2.1) .

This subcomponent 2.1 relies on the existing administration, database and established processes which need to be described, including the evidence needed for reimbursement.

There needs to be some sort of external check (through an external firm) or internal (based on agreed arrangements)  before the PIU requests a withdrawal to the Bank.

As an example, in Latin America , once the payroll list is generated (in your case by the RS for unemployment benefits and by the online portal for the one-off benefit) there is a ‘Transfers Committee’ (conformed by the different actors involved in the payment of transfers) that generates a sort of Minutes confirming that those are the “right” people to be paid, and the processes were followed based on the predefined agreements. This is sent to No objection by the Bank, and then program disburses to beneficiaries. In Latin America they have also conditionalities attached to benefits (like children attendance in school and health clinic visits). A verification by an external firm is made of conditionalities and the PIU withdrawal request is done based on the results of this verification.

In the current Georgia case, my understanding is that:

1.      The RS and online portal for oneoff  generates a payroll (list of people eligible people), only based on automatic verification. In case of non-registered selfemployed, verification is done ad hoc by the working group and decided by an high commission.

2.      We need to clarify how the ministry/PIU verifies the selection process at any stage. Are there any protocols written between the RS and the MoH about this process? Is MoH accepting the list coming from RS and the online portal (for registered selfmeployed) as they are? Based on the POM,  SESA only verifies that people are citizen and not dead,  and that the information in the list is complete. Correct?  So any error in the list is responsibility of the RS for the formal wage workers and registered selfemployed who had not lost labor income.

3.      SESA, responsible for payments,  should then generate a list/report of the payment process, explaining who and how many of those in the list received by RS and online portal were payed.

4.      Then PIU generates the Withdrawal request based only on those that were actually paid (the list by SESA). The Bank would request the payroll list generated by RS and online portal for registered selfemployed and the approved list by the High commission for the non-registered selfemployed -if we understand correctly- some sort of verification from the Government side that the list complies with agreed verification protocols; and the report from the payment process itself.

5.      The ex-post process for verification of the whole flow is not yet explained in the POM. There are pieces of the process but not enough clarified to guide the disbursement process, the evidence required and agreed protocols .

I hope it helps,

Maddalena

From: Maddalena Honorati
Sent: Monday, August 3, 2020 5:32 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: POM and related questions

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for submitting the revised POM and for clarifying our questions in the email below.

The revised POM has addressed some comments and was enriched with new information. We have deleted the addressed comments and left the comments that require elaboration in the write-up. In addition, for your consideration we had edited in track change to add information as per our knowledge based on the several amendments of Resolution #286.

Nonetheless, the verification protocols for the disbursement of the cash transfers - especially the new ones (unemployment benefit and one off benefits) - need to be clearly defined in the POM as well as the PIU’s random checks and the required evidence to be provided while submitting the reimbursement applications. There are guiding questions that may hep you fill the missing information.

As previously offered, Nino Moroskina and Djamshid are available to help you complete the draft by helping gather the information to address all the comments. They can also check the POM before iit is submitted to TTLs to confirm that all comments are elaborated in the text.

Regarding the internal audits, while it was agreed during the negotiations that the Project will be included in the annual audit plan of internal audit department of MoILHSA, we had not received confirmation. The internal audit are crucial for ensuring controls over flow of funds.

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 7:08 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Veltauri <[email-masked]>; Lika Klimiashvili <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: POM and related questions

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

Good evening. When I saw your question, I was trying to find the chart N2 (p19) in POM which explains the compensation process of  informal and formal workers and I accidently found out that I have sent the morning version (july 29)of POM,  the dates were the same, However this was the wrong version.

If you compare you will find out the chart I am refereeing to is missing from the previous version.

I am truly sorry for that and please use currently enclosed one.

As for the question, there are three basic information an applicant should upload: the Name, Personal ID number and a bank account. Meaning that everybody who wants get temporary assistance must have a bank account during the application submission process.

If your question is more on human rights side, even if a person feels ill and is unable to go to the bank and open an account, there is a special service, which is absolutely free and the Bank’s  staff can visit this person at home and help to open an account, if requested.

Hope that I could answer your question.

Best regards,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 9:48 AM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: POM and related questions

Dear Nino,

Many thanks for the revised POM and for clarifying and responding to our questions below. We will start the review right away and get back to you the sooner.

Related to bank accounts, it is good practice to pay benefits through bank accounts and we understand it is pretty simple and cheap to open a bank account in Georgia. We understand also that the majority (95%) of formal workers have bank accounts (with remaining 5% without) and that TSA is paid mostly through post offices.  Are there alternative payment mechanisms in case informal workers who apply for the one off benefits do not have a bank account and/or formal workers laid off do not have a bank account? Have you encountered such cases so far?

Kind regards,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 10:15 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Nino Gvenetadze <[email-masked]>
Subject: POM and related questions

[External]

Dear Maddlena,

Dear Volkan,

This is to inform you that we have tried to respond to all your questions and fill the document  with information as much as we could.  Since the process from your side might still feel difficult to understand, because there are many supporting documents (resolutions, amendments, instructions, orders, etc ) which describes the whole process separately, we suggest to have a call with involved parties and finalize the POM together.

the Annex D was very long, we made it as separate document.  Please also find answers to your questions below. However it is better to see the document first, since you might get better understanding of the process.

Best regards,

Nino

Questions:

o   Please clarify what it means for a self-employed to “registered with Revenue Service”: does it people registered for corporate/business taxes ? does it mean individuals being in the taxpayer database.

Yes  (please refer to the process chart, POM)

o   We understand there are two cases identified in the online registration system, self employed who are registered and the others We saw indeed separate data monitoring provided in SSA administrative database (downloaded from the ministry website). However, it seems that the transfer has been made only to self-employed registered. Why? When are the unregistered self-employed receive the transfer?

SSA does not undertint the question. Please refer to the process chart of the POM.

o   We understand that registration for the one-off benefit was only allowed up to July 1st . Please confirm if this is the case and whether there are plans to extend the window for application.

Extended until August 1st.

o   Grateful if you could please provide information on the registration process for self-employed (in particular whether help was provided for opening bank accounts to those who do not have one, and whether the information campaign made it clear that informal workers should not be worried to register).

Self-employee submits an application while registering, to the RS. If its formal. If informal, no registration at RS is needed. For example nannys, they do not pay taxes, hence if they lost their job because of the covid 19, they would need only a contract as an evidence and this information should be submitted to SESA, not the RS. The special commission will discuss the evidence and within 10 days the compensation will be paid.

As for the bank accounts, there is established experience that all state allowances are transferred through bank transfers. In addition, there is an instruction available and widely spread information how to register in the system and that everyone needs a bank account. In case of need, people are assisted to open a bank account.

o   It remains unclear how the final status of “specified status” people (self employed who provided documents, but the documents are not clear enough to decide whether they are eligible or not) is decided.

Specified statuses are given to those, when for example the dates are missing, or terms.

Commission makes decisions in accordance with the criteria’s defined in the Res. N 286

o   In case the applicant is not in the taxpayers database and bank account info is correct –  is he required to register and pay taxes? The question relates to what was written on the registration process in one of the manuals you sent us  “ii. If the bank account is correct, a message will be issued, please register the type of economic activity for registration and upload the documents proving self-employment. Then click the Finish button”

This is for informal workers, meaning that this person will register economic activity as it was and the commission will make a decision whether this activity is eligible.  This type of applicant does not need registration in RS. They only need accurate evidence.

·        Temporary benefit for vulnerable households (with score between 65,000 and 100,000)

o   Please confirm  whether the temporary benefits is only for households with score between the 65,001 and 100,000 who were in the SSA database before May 1st or it is also for  households  that have registered in the database after May 1st  and are assessed with score in that range (we understand it takes a month to compute and verify the score) –  yes, but also families who are under 100001 and have three or more children between 0-16 ages.

o   If  who register after May 1st are eligible to the temporary benefit, please clearly define the eligibility window: for example, as for the one-off benefit, would families who register before July 1st and are subsequently assessed with eligible score be eligible to the temporary benefit?

The time has extended until August 1st.

·        Unemployment benefit

o   We noted from the data monitoring table in SSA administrative database (downloaded from the ministry’s website) that about 150,000 forma employees have been laid off in May and June. This is a pretty high number corresponding to about 9% of the labor force in Georgia. Are these numbers confirmed by Revenue Service? Do you have more information on the sector of the employer and size of employer/firm.

This is a question to the revenue service. As for the numbers, this is a recent figure 146,287

o   As above, please clarify/confirm the eligibility criteria: are only workers laid off between May 4th and July 1, 2020 eligible to the benefits?

Eligible: April, May,June

o   Is yes, is there a plan to extend the window of eligibility?

The Ministry does not know yet.

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 4:38 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Cc: Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

Dear Nino,

I hope this email finds you well.

We look forward to receiving the revised POM and appreciate an update on it and questions raised.

Thanks in advance

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 7:42 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Cc: Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

I understand your concerns. The problem is that the group which was working on data covenants in SESA and SSA is the same group who should send us the description of the FM structure in POM. It has been a tough week for all of us, documents and questions, and indications back and forth. Plus the project procurement  and  FM. Unbelievable number of information and documents was shared and processed.  I have just received the first draft of the WP on data covenant. Will review and send it for translation, just to make sure you receive it on Monday. As for the POM, we of course can send you it tomorrow, but from my point of view, if we give them this weekend, together with Nata, they will  analyze the FM process well, and I am sure we  will have better document on Monday.

In addition I have received  ESMF + LMP as well. SEP is under review. We have tried to involve everyone who should be reviewing these documents.  Both deputy ministers are assisting us in the project implementation and I believe we will finalize all the documents really soon and move to the next step.

Give me tomorrow and will inform you during a day on POM and the questions you have raised in your previous email.

Best regards,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati [mailto:[email-masked]]
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 7:38 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Cc: Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; Mehek Marwaha <[email-masked]>; Nino V. Moroshkina <[email-masked]>
Subject: FW: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time
Importance: High

Dear Nino,

Just a quick check in as we are unclear on several aspects of the design and verification processes of benefits under the SP components (some questions in the email below, others in the last version of the POM sent). We understand you are working hard to clarify those in the POM, and look forward to the revised draft tomorrow.

We may need to raise these questions with Tamila and Tamar if we do not get answers by tomorrow.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Maddalena

From: Maddalena Honorati
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 7:15 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Tamar Barkalaia <[email-masked]>
Cc: Lela Ghongadze <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]
Subject: RE: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

Dear Nino,

Many thanks. These are excellent news. We look forward to both revised POM and first draft of the Action Plan.

We had reviewed the documents Nino M. sent and we have still some clarification questions ( some  of the questions are included in the draft POM also and we hope are addressed in the revised POM you are working on).  I copy DM Barkalaia for her information and inputs.

·        One-off benefit / informal workers and self-employed:

o   Please clarify what it means for a self-employed to “registered with Revenue Service”: does it people registered for corporate/business taxes ? does it mean individuals being in the taxpayer database.

o   We understand there are two cases identified in the online registration system, self employed who are registered and the others (informal selfemployed or informal workers). We saw indeed separate data monitoring provided in SSA administrative database (downloaded from the ministry website). However it seems that the transfer has been made only to self-employed registered. Why? When are the unregistered selfemployed receive the transfer?

o   We understand that registration for the one-off benefit was only allowed up to July 1st . Please confirm if this is the case and whether there are plans to extend the window for application.

o   Grateful if you could please provide information on the registration process for self-employed (in particular whether help was provided for opening bank accounts to those who do not have one, and whether the information campaign made it clear that informal workers should not be worried to register).

o   It remains unclear how the final status of “specified status” people (self employed who provided documents, but the documents are not clear enough to decide whether they are eligible or not) is decided.

o   In case the applicant is not in the taxpayers database and bank account info is correct –  is he required to register and pay taxes? The question relates to what was written on the registration process in one of the manuals you sent us  “ii. If the bank account is correct, a message will be issued, please register the type of economic activity for registration and upload the documents proving self-employment. Then click the Finish button”.

·        Temporary benefit for vulnerable households (with score between 65,000 and 100,000)

o   Please confirm  whether the temporary benefits is only for households with score between the 65,001 and 100,000 who were in the SSA database before May 1st or it is also for  households  that have registered in the database after May 1st  and are assessed with score in that range (we understand it takes a month to compute and verify the score).

o   If hh who register after May 1st are eligible to the temporary benefit, please clearly define the eligibility window: for example, as for the one-off benefit, would families who register before July 1st and are subsequently assessed with eligible score be eligible to the temporary benefit?

·        Unemployment benefit

o   We noted from the data monitoring table in SSA administrative database (downloaded from the ministry’s website) that about 150,000 forma employees have been laid off in May and June. This is a pretty high number corresponding to about 9% of the labor force in Georgia. Are these numbers confirmed by Revenue Service? Do you have more information on the sector of the employer and size of employer/firm.

o   As above, please clarify/confirm the eligibility criteria: are only workers laid off between May 4th and July 1, 2020 eligible to the benefits?

o   Is yes, is there a plan to extend the window of eligibility?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Maddalena

From: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 2:06 PM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]
Cc: Lela Ghongadze <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

[External]

Dear Maddalena,

We are working within the Ministry to finalize the financial process description of POM. Not sure with the exact deadline, but Friday is the latest. However it can be tomorrow as well, depending on the availability of time of our colleagues.

As for the data covenants, we had a very fruitful meeting and the first draft of the Action Plan,  which is in Georgian yet, is already prepared. It is under internal  review now. As you know PIU is facilitating the process. The tentative deadline is as follows: Finalization of the first draft – Thursday 23,

Translation – Friday -24, Submission to the WB  – Monday 27.

Hope this response is useful at this stage.

Best regards,

Nino

From: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 3:51 PM
To: Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]
Cc: Lela Ghongadze <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>
Subject: RE: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

Dear Nino,

Following up on the meeting last week, could you please update us on the status of the revised POM and when you will be able to share the final one addressing all our comments?

Also please let us know if the WB on the personal data protection met last week and which are the next steps and timeline.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Maddalena

From: Nino Moroshkina <[email-masked]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 9:43 AM
To: Maddalena Honorati <[email-masked]>; Volkan Cetinkaya <[email-masked]>
Cc: Lela Ghongadze <[email-masked]>; Alicia C. Marguerie <[email-masked]>; Nino Kvernadze <[email-masked]>; Djamshid Iriskulov <[email-masked]>; Natalie Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Lia Tavadze <[email-masked]>
Subject: Meeting on July 15th at 2PM Tbs time

[External]

Dear Colleagues,

As agreed, we will be having the meeting tomorrow, July 15th at 2 PM Tbs time.

There are two main topics to discuss:

1. Finalization of the POM

2. The Global Reimbursement Manual

I will be going to the ministry.

Lela will send us the Webex invite shortly.

Please feel free to expand the list of participants for the meeting.

Best regards, Nino