The governor of Samarkand region, Adiz Boboev, has been warned that it is not permissible to involve educators in work unrelated to their professional activities. The State Labor Inspectorate reported this.
Earlier, a video capturing the governor of Samarkand region's instruction during a meeting with rectors of higher education institutions to assign teachers responsibility for monitoring streets and their upkeep was circulated on social media. This incident sparked widespread public discussion.
According to the State Labor Inspectorate, current legislation prohibits the forced involvement of pedagogical staff in work not related to their professional activities. If this initiative is implemented and educators are engaged in tasks not pertaining to their duties, it may lead to instances of forced labor.
"In this regard, a warning was sent to the governor of Samarkand region, Adiz Boboev, stating that involving educators in work unrelated to their professional activities is contrary to the law and that liability is established for such cases," the Inspectorate's statement reads.
It is noted that compliance with legislative requirements must be ensured when implementing any initiative, as well as the rights and legitimate interests of educators must be guaranteed.
For reference, according to the Law "On the Status of the Educator," unlawful interference in the professional activities of pedagogical staff and their involvement in work unrelated to their duties is prohibited.
In particular, involving educators in landscaping works, agricultural works, and other tasks unrelated to their professional activities is not permitted. Furthermore, their involvement in tasks such as keeping records of minors not covered by education or on a preventive register is also prohibited.
According to the legislation, educators may be involved in elections, tests, population censuses, and other socially significant events only with their consent, based on a relevant contract, and subject to additional payment or retention of average wages.
Pursuant to Article 51 of the Code on Administrative Liability, involving educators in work unrelated to their professional activities, administratively compelling them to work, or unlawfully interfering in their professional activities entails administrative liability.
Officials who commit this offense may be fined from 100 to 150 times the base calculation amount.
