The development of the state, the competitiveness of the economy, and the stability of the labor market are determined by the effectiveness of the system for training personnel with modern knowledge and practical skills. Therefore, in recent years, state policy has made the development of vocational education based on international standards and directing youth to professions in demand in the labor market one of its priority areas.
In the President's Decree addressed to the Supreme Council and the people of Uzbekistan on December 26, 2025, the task was set to launch Higher Vocational Technical Colleges and the 'City of Professions' activity in seven regions of the country in 2026, and subsequently implement this experience in all regions of the republic starting from 2027. This initiative serves as a deep modernization of the vocational education system, the training of personnel that meet employer needs, and the wide implementation of international standards in the educational process.
The head of state's initiatives are also strengthened legally. In accordance with the President's Decree of July 17, 2026, 'On additional measures for introducing secondary specialized, professional, and higher education programs based on international standards in the Republic,' a new system is being implemented for the widespread dissemination of international programs in educational institutions and the training of competitive personnel that meet labor market requirements. The Higher Vocational Technical College being established in Jizzakh is a practical embodiment of these tasks, where the educational process is organized based on international Pearson and Avestos programs.
As part of these reforms, the Higher Vocational Technical College was created in Jizzakh. Preparatory work for the new academic year is actively underway at this educational institution, located in the Saiiljoy district of Jizzakh city. Reconstruction work is being carried out in the building that previously housed the 2nd Technical College of Jizzakh city. This project is being implemented by the engineering company 'Unified Contractor Services' under the Jizzakh Hokimiyat as the state customer, and its total cost amounts to 19 billion 674 million 800 thousand sums. Construction work is proceeding at the planned pace according to the schedule. The dormitory building reconstruction is fully completed and has moved to the cladding stage, and the main construction work in the academic building is also nearing completion.
The director of the Higher Vocational Technical College, Fakhriddin Azimov, stated that this college will serve as a methodological and practical center for all colleges in the region. He added that in the future, students from neighboring colleges will undergo internships here. Necessary conditions are being created for training in modern professions based on international requirements. In this regard, the most modern educational equipment is being supplied from Germany. The enrollment campaign for the current academic year has been completed, and 100 students will begin their studies in the first phase. The educational process will be organized based on international curricula in four main areas: information technology (Pearson, UK), machine and mechanism operator (Avestos, Germany), automotive mechatronics technician (Avestos, Germany), and agricultural and construction machinery mechanic (Avestos, Germany).
Diplomas issued to graduates who successfully complete these educational programs will be recognized in both the UK and Germany, creating a solid foundation for their successful employment not only in the country but also in the foreign labor market. The next stage of the project is planned to be the creation of a 'City of Professions' in Jizzakh. This complex will include interactive zones such as an information and consultation center, a technological, industrial, and engineering cluster, as well as a skills development platform. Here, schoolchildren can familiarize themselves with in-demand professions in the labor market and determine their career inclinations using modern IT platforms. Furthermore, practical classes will be held in the college workshops using real production equipment, and participation in master classes will allow for completing practical projects. Special attention is paid to individual consultations for 9th-grade graduates regarding the alignment of their chosen specialty or college with their learning goals.
The establishment of the Higher Vocational Technical College and the planning of the 'City of Professions' in Jizzakh contribute to the transition of the vocational education system to a new qualitative stage. Most importantly, this educational institution will play a key role in training competitive specialists with modern knowledge and practical skills that meet the demands of the labor market based on international standards.
Kharamon Quronboev, Chairman of the Neighborhoods Society of Uzbekistan and head of the republican working group on studying youth issues, held a meeting with young people in Samarkand, Samarkand region.
The working group conducts research in areas of activity to further improve the system of working with youth in neighborhoods, based on the instructions and tasks given by the head of state during his meeting with the country's youth this year.
During the work of the working group in the Samarkand region, the group leader, Chairman of the Neighborhoods Society of Uzbekistan, K. Quronboev, held a meeting with young people in the city of Samarkand. This meeting took place in an atmosphere of openness and sincerity, during which the problems worrying the youth, as well as their suggestions and initiatives, were heard.
Kharamon Quronboev paid special attention to each problem and gave instructions to responsible persons for its positive resolution, defining the necessary measures. In particular, the youth of the Maroqand neighborhood in the city put forward an initiative to create a modern library in the neighborhood. After the meeting, Kharamon Quronboev visited the neighborhood to inspect the local infrastructure and assess the possibilities of creating a library.
In addition, during the conversation with activists, issues such as filling youth free time with meaningful content, increasing reading culture, effective use of existing opportunities in the neighborhood, and creating modern and comfortable conditions for young people were discussed.
Events named 'Book Reading Hour' are held regularly. Reading books helps develop a person's thinking, enriches their spiritual world, and creates a solid foundation for achieving high results in professional activities.
The Sirdarya–Zarafshon Reservoir Systems management, operating in the city of Jizkazh, regularly organizes 'Book Reading Hour' events. The goal of these events is to increase the culture of book-loving among employees, strengthen interest in reading, and reinforce the spiritual and educational environment.
During a recent training session, employees of the central management apparatus reviewed fiction, popular science, and spiritual literature, as well as current articles, newspapers, and magazines published in republican and online editions. During the study of the works, their meaning and essence were discussed, opinions were expressed regarding the life ideas, scientific views, and moral values presented in the books.
Such events not only enhance the intellectual potential of employees but also contribute to developing critical thinking skills, broadening horizons, strengthening moral qualities, and performing official duties more effectively. It is especially important that creating a culture of book-loving plays a key role in fostering a desire for knowledge, self-improvement, and a culture of constant seeking within the collective.
The development of book-loving among the population, especially youth and workers, is supported at the state policy level. An important legal basis is the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 15, 2026, 'On Measures to Develop the Culture of Book-Loving and Increase Public Interest in Reading.' This document defines broad objectives aimed at increasing the level of book-loving among the population during the 2026–2030 period, widely promoting reading, establishing a fund for the development of book-loving culture, supporting the best national and foreign literature, and turning reading into a lifestyle.
Within the framework of fulfilling these tasks, the scope of spiritual and educational projects, reading hours, and literary meetings aimed at popularizing book-loving in state and public organizations, educational institutions, and labor collectives is constantly growing. The 'Book Reading Hour' event held by the Sirdarya–Zarafshon Reservoir Systems management is one of the initiatives aligned with these noble goals.
These events, aimed at encouraging book-loving, increasing interest in reading, and strengthening a healthy spiritual environment in the management, continue to be held consistently, serving to enhance the intellectual and spiritual potential of the staff. Thus, reading books continues to strengthen its significance as an important factor in educating knowledgeable, well-informed, and highly responsible specialists.
The justice mechanism helped resolve a complaint related to the violation of labor rights in the Guliston district. As a result, the labor rights of a nurse who could not return to her previous workplace after maternity leave and childcare were restored.
Nilufar Kholmatova, who worked as a nurse at the 'Yulduz' family medicine center of the Guliston District Medical Association, appealed to the district justice department. She reported that she took maternity leave in 2019 and subsequently extended childcare leave in 2022 in accordance with the law. However, after the leave ended, she faced problems trying to return to her previous job and requested legal assistance.
Specialists from the district justice department conducted a comprehensive study of the appeal, performing a legal analysis of the employee's labor rights situation. During the investigation, appropriate measures were taken in accordance with the requirements of current labor legislation.
According to the law, the labor rights of employees on maternity leave or childcare leave are guaranteed by the state. After completing the leave, the employee has the right to be reinstated in their previous position or another position with similar working conditions and salary preservation.
Thanks to the legal intervention of the justice department, the applicant's labor rights were fully restored, and she gained the opportunity to continue her employment in the same position at the 'Yulduz' family medicine center.
