YEREVAN. – In the lead-up to the start of the new school year on September 1, the “Consumers’ Association of Armenia” NGO recorded an about 5-percent inflation in the country this year, which is less than the previous years, NGO Chairman of Armen Poghosyan said at a press conference on Tuesday.

He noted, however, that no increase is observed in the prices of stationery in the country.

“[A total of] 37 percent of our population is at the poverty threshold, or below,” added Poghosyan. “According to average statistical data, about 60 percent of family income goes to food, which is a horrible number; in civilized countries, this very percentage reaches to [a mere] 30.”

In his words, there is no proper approach towards children in Armenia, both in terms of products and food.

Armen Poghosyan also stated that, in actual fact, product quality control and certification is lacking in the country.