Ministry of Justice condemns making state exams paid

The Ministry of Justice gave its opinion on the draft presidential decree “On additional measures to improve the system of admission to higher educational institutions through testing”. 

It should be recalled that the draft document was published on the portal of discussions of normative-legal acts and developed by the State Testing Center.

According to the ministerial staff, it is necessary to reconsider the issue of payment for participation in testing.  In the second paragraph of provision 2 of the project, it is noted that participation in the testing of applicants will be charged a fee in the amount equal to one minimum monthly wage. 

It should be noted that in accordance with Article 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, everyone has right to education.  The right to education implies that regardless of the material or physical abilities of every citizen, they must have equal opportunities.

“On the basis of this provision and taking into account the possibility of growing discontent among the population in this regard, it is necessary to reconsider the feasibility of charging in the amount of one minimum monthly wage,” the ministry said. 

The Justice Ministry also stated that it is necessary to fill gaps that can open the way for corruption. According to the anti-corruption examination, the draft resolution defines the issuance of certificates valid for 2 years. However, it does not reflect issues related to the procedure for issuing this certificate and its legal consequences.

“Norms that do not have a clear mechanism for implementation create gaps in ensuring the rule of law and in turn, create opportunities for corruption. In this regard, the Ministry of Justice announces the need to develop a procedure for issuing the above certificates and reflect its legal consequences,” the ministry noted.

In addition, the Ministry of Justice emphasizes the need for a thorough examination of all proposals and reflections given on this draft resolution published on the portal regulation.gov.uz.