October 21, 09:53Gazeta.uz

Uzbekistan plans to involve the private sector in the maintenance of schools and kindergartens

A new system for the technical maintenance of educational institutions is being developed in Uzbekistan, which involves the participation of the private sector. The Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, Sherzod Khidoyatov, announced this initiative on October 13 during the 'Government Hour' at the Oliy Majlis Legislative Chamber.

Deputy Dilnoza Azizova, representing the 'Milliy Tiklanish' party, raised the issue of low quality in the construction and repair of social facilities, including schools, kindergartens, and roads. She requested information on whether the ministry is studying foreign experience regarding the broader involvement of private companies in such work.

Sherzod Khidoyatov confirmed the existence of problems with the condition of educational buildings. He noted that the issue of operating schools and kindergartens in the republic is extremely relevant, and after the president raised this problem, corresponding joint work began with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education (which has been transformed into the Ministry of Education and Science).

The first step in implementing the project will be the passportization of all schools and kindergartens in the country. Currently, design organizations are assessing the technical condition of buildings, including roofs, heating systems, and boiler equipment, and are also analyzing the types of fuel used, such as coal and gas. Based on the collected data, a list of necessary repair works will be determined. Standards for the future operation of both existing and new educational institutions are being developed in parallel.

Khidoyatov reported that joint development of regulations is underway, and proposals have been put forward so that managing service companies that serve residential buildings near schools and kindergartens can also provide their services to these institutions. This issue is also being discussed with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. In the long term, the private sector is planned to be involved in the technical maintenance of educational facilities.

The minister emphasized that currently, maintenance is carried out by employees of the schools and kindergartens themselves, but this model does not meet modern requirements. In particular, new educational institutions are equipped with more complex engineering equipment, such as modern heat pumps, whose operation requires qualified specialists.

Similar stories

podrobno.uzOctober 20, 07:10

Private schools and universities in Uzbekistan may introduce prevention inspector positions

The possibility of establishing prevention inspectors in private educational institutions in Uzbekistan is being considered. The main goal of these specialists' work is to prevent various offenses, combat bullying, drug use, as well as counter extremist ideas and provide support to children from difficult families.

A draft resolution on the matter has been published for public discussion and will be reviewed until November 3rd. According to the submitted document, private educational institutions will have the opportunity to independently introduce new positions using their own financial resources.

It is planned that senior prevention inspectors and specialists in women's issues will be appointed in higher education institutions, while schools and colleges will have positions for psychologist inspectors dealing with minors' affairs.

The appointment process will be carried out by signing an agreement between the educational institution and the local unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After signing this agreement, the Minister of Internal Affairs will issue a corresponding order, and territorial bodies will ensure the staffing of the position within one month.

Key tasks and interaction

The key mission of these employees is to prevent acts of violence, offenses, bullying, drug use, and the spread of extremist views. They will interact with the administration of educational institutions, teachers, psychologists, parents, and mahalla representatives.

Special attention will be paid to students who regularly miss classes, exhibit aggressive behavior, or are influenced by destructive ideas. In schools, preventive events named "Davomat," "Ukuvchi," "Usmir," and "Tungi tekshiruv" are planned, which aim to monitor attendance, detect absent students, and identify minors staying overnight in facilities without adult supervision.

Inspectors will also cooperate with psychologists, organize conversations and training sessions, contributing to improving relationships among students. They must help identify children experiencing stress or depression to prevent suicides. If cases of violence are discovered, inspectors are obliged to report it immediately and ensure the child's protection.

Measures in higher education

In the field of higher education, the project provides for strengthening legal enlightenment, as well as developing sports infrastructure, clubs, and cultural programs. Annually, from September 10th to October 10th, a 'Student Safety Month' will be held. During this event, attendance will be checked, access for unauthorized persons to buildings and dormitories will be restricted, and students needing support will be identified.

In addition, campaigns named "Tig" and "Oriat" will be implemented in universities to ensure safety, prevent the introduction of prohibited items and substances, and combat crimes against life and health. Final regulations will be approved after the completion of the public discussion period.

It should be noted that a proposal was previously put forward in Uzbekistan to create an honorary title for prevention officers to recognize their significant contribution to maintaining public safety.

podrobno.uzOctober 12, 09:10

Startup parks will be launched in Uzbekistan to support entrepreneurship and innovation

Innovative startup parks are planned for creation in various regions of Uzbekistan. These venues are intended for entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their projects, integrate scientific developments, and bring new products to the market.

The activities of the new centers will be carried out under the auspices of the Agency for Innovation Development of the Ministry of Education and Science. Startups located in the parks will receive comprehensive support, including access to necessary infrastructure, legal and financial resources, as well as marketing consultations.

The main focus will be on incubation and acceleration programs, whose goal is to transform promising concepts into full-fledged commercial enterprises. Furthermore, the parks will facilitate the process of product certification and registration, ensure intellectual property protection, and assist in promoting goods both domestically and internationally. Entrepreneurs will also be able to participate in exhibitions held both within and outside Uzbekistan.

The determination of locations for these parks has been entrusted to the hokimiyats of Karakalpakstan, the regions, and the capital itself. It is planned that production premises will be leased through electronic auctions. The financial base for this project will be formed from rental income, grants, and other legal sources.

It was previously announced that specialized spin-off companies can be established in state technical schools of Uzbekistan for the commercialization and launch of promising ideas developed by students. For the implementation of one such startup, there is the possibility of receiving a grant of up to 1 billion soms.