© Gennady Cherkasov
The Government of Uzbekistan has approved a series of measures aimed at popularizing reading among government officials and students. According to the new decree, employees of ministries and branches who read the most books will be rewarded with cash equivalent to their monthly salary.
Main initiatives:
By March 1, 2026, each ministry and sector will create a list of recommended professional documents in their field. At least three professional foreign publications will be translated into Uzbek every year with commentaries, dictionaries and practical examples from qualified experts. Until April 1, 2026, “Book Corners” will appear in all government organizations and monthly “Reading Hours” will be organized for employees. An internal rating system for reading will be introduced.
The employee who reads the most books based on the contest results will be rewarded with a month's salary.
Offers for students:
Special attention is paid to young people: each of the top 100 readers among students will receive a cash reward in the amount of 25 times the minimum wage.
This initiative aims to improve the professional qualifications of civil servants, broaden their horizons and create a culture of regular reading. International professional document translation aims to provide access to modern knowledge and best global practices.
The Ministry of Culture and Education emphasized that the program will not only contribute to personal development but also enhance the efficiency of the government apparatus through continuous learning and integration of best practices.
It is expected that the first results of the contest and prizes for active readers will take place in 2026.