The Russian government has submitted draft laws intended to create favorable conditions for charitable activities to the lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

The move is seen as a means to improve the traditionally negative attitude of most Russians toward oligarchs and other wealthy people. Dislike of the rich, typical during the years of the Communist rule, only strengthened during the controversial post-Soviet reforms in the 1990s which sent a scant few people's wealth skyrocketing while pushing the majority of Russians below the poverty line.

"We count on their [the laws'] quick consideration and support on the part of MPs," Putin told the inner cabinet.

"The state should encourage any useful, socially responsible activity by citizens, including through forming a favorable tax regime for it," he said.

In January, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called on the government and parliament to speed up drafting laws to increase the work efficiency of charity organizations supporting families with children.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, recently tasked with improving Russia's investment image, said Thursday at the Russia-2010 forum that Russia's investment climate could improve should Russians start respecting and recognizing businessmen's merits just as those of science and cultural figures.

"We should publicly recognize and respect those who created their own businesses, who created new jobs and multiplied national wealth just as our science and cultural figures," Shuvalov said.

"But the country does not have an understanding of this," he said, adding that some businessmen work much more than others and risk many things, including family relations, their capitals and lives.

"People who reached success in business should be publicly recognized," he concluded.

MOSCOW, February 4 (RIA Novosti)