Why did the Russian government issue vouchers during the privatization process in 1992?

The Russian government issued vouchers during the privatization process in 1992 to facilitate the transition from a state-controlled economy to a market-oriented one. These vouchers allowed citizens to acquire shares in state-owned enterprises, promoting broader public participation in privatization and minimizing resistance to economic reforms. The aim was to distribute ownership more widely among the population, thereby fostering a sense of investment in the new capitalist system. However, the process also led to significant inequalities and the emergence of oligarchs who accumulated large shares of wealth and resources.