The State may provide support by allowing special funding (government grants) on request from public associations to help them implement certain programs that are useful to society; by making any contracts, including contracts for any works or services; or by soliciting tenders from an unrestricted number of public associations to implement various government programs identified as necessary to society. 3. Any issues that affect the interests of public associations, as provided for by the law, shall be resolved by government authorities in consultations or in coordination with appropriate public associations. 4. The legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan on labor and social insurance shall be applicable to hired administrative staff of public associations. Chapter II. Establishment of public associations Article 16. Establishment of public associations 1. Public associations are established on the initiative of no less than three natural persons (individuals) - the founders. Alongside physical persons, the founders of a public association may include legal entities – public associations. 2. A resolution in regard of establishing a public association, adopting its charter and forming it governing and auditing bodies shall be adopted by a congress, conference, a general or constituent meeting. A public association is considered established as of the time the above resolutions have been adopted. Founders of a public association, established in the form of a legal entity, are required to submit the constituent documents to the registration authority for the state registration within one month upon setting up the association. 3. A public association acquires the right of a legal entity as of the time of its state registration. 4. A body of public initiative shall be established at the initiative of a majority of residents at the respective place of residence. Article 17. Requirements in regard to founders and members of, participants in public associations 1. Citizens aged 18 or older may become founders, members or participants in public associations, unless otherwise provided by this Law. 2. On the par basis with citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan, foreign nationals or stateless persons may become founders, members or participants in public associations, provided that they have a permanent residence in the Republic of Tajikistan. Any