Mr. Merkushkin reported sweeping progress-a 124 per cent increase of industrial output, Russia's greatest, and spectacular success in other fields: 114% for meat output, 106% milk production, and 26% housing construction.
President Putin wondered whether there were any wage and pension arrears in the republic. To that, Mordovia's President said there were none in the government-financed field. Things were quite different in industrial companies. Total arrears there made 242 million roubles at last year's start to shrink to 140 million, roughly US$4.5 million, by the year's end.
The federal President pointed out dynamic progress of self-government in Mordovia, whose agencies are developing into actual ruling bodies. To that, President Merkushkin highlighted the republic's concerted efforts of the previous six years. (continued)
