MOSCOW, September 26 (RAPSI) – The State Duma adopted a bill to improve pension system in the second reading on Wednesday.

Earlier, lawmakers backed amendments proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the pension system change initiative. Thus, the age of 65 years would be set as retirement age for men, and 60 years for women.

On July 19, the State Duma passed the pension system bill in the first reading. Initially, the document, which was suggested in mid-June by the government, provided a gradual increase in the retirement age of up to 65 years for men and up to 63 years for women.

The President issued a set of suggestions on the pension system change on August 29.  Putin proposed to lower the women’s retirement age to 60 years. Moreover, he made several proposals aimed to strengthen guarantees for persons nearing retirement age, in particular to protect them from discrimination and dismissal without a valid reason.

Lawmakers in September also issued a package of bills. In total, about 300 amendments to the pension system change draft law reached the lower house of parliament.

According to amendments adopted on Wednesday, mothers with many children would gain a right to retirement at 50-57 years. A labor experience term enabling to retire on a pension earlier would be lowered, from 45 to 42 for men, and from 40 to 37 for women.

Moreover, unemployment allowance is to be increased for persons nearing retirement age starting 2019.