Lawmakers back bill expanding military social benefits

The measure is included in a draft law on the “Status of Military Personnel and Their Social Protection,” approved in its first reading by the lower house of parliament on May 13.

Reportedly, the Minister of Defense Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov said the country currently lacks a single, comprehensive law governing the legal status and social protection of military personnel, which prompted the drafting of the bill.

The draft law comprises 5 chapters and 37 articles. It defines the rights and duties of service members, establishes rules for military service, and sets out measures to safeguard the social and legal interests of their families.

Under the bill, the “status of a military serviceman” would define a set of state-guaranteed rights, freedoms, restrictions, obligations and responsibilities. The document also outlines procedures for obtaining and terminating this status.

The document strengthens guarantees on pay, housing, healthcare, compulsory state insurance, pensions and compensation for injuries or deaths sustained during service.

Service members discharged after at least 20 years of service would be entitled to annual sanatorium treatment vouchers at a 75% discount.

The draft also provides for one-off annual financial assistance of up to 100 times the base calculation value for the treatment of socially significant diseases affecting service members and their families, as well as support in cases of accidents, natural disasters or death.

Lawmakers approved the bill in its first reading without debate.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense doubled long-service bonuses for officers effective April 1, while salaries for contract soldiers and sergeants were raised by 10%.

From March 1, monthly housing rent compensation for military personnel increased by 20%, and by 50% for families of three or more members.