The amendments adopted were approved by the Majlisi Namoyandagon (lower house) of the Majlisi Oli (parliament). For them to come into effect, approval from the Majlisi Milli (upper house), the president's signature, and publication in official publications are required.
The problem of teacher shortages in Tajik schools has persisted over the past few years. According to the Minister of Education and Science, Rahim Saidzoda, at the beginning of the 2025/2026 academic year, the republic is short of more than 3,800 teachers, despite the fact that 13,000 students graduated in pedagogical specialties this year.
At the parliamentary meeting on October 15, the First Deputy Minister, Khamid Khoshimzoda, presented a draft amendment aimed at raising the status of teachers and addressing the staffing shortage in educational institutions. He emphasized that point 11 of Article 5 of the new law "On the Status of the Teacher" states that "during pedagogical activity, mandatory military service may be postponed."
It is important to note that prior to the amendments, only teachers with higher education working in rural schools were exempted from service. Now, this rule will apply to all educators, regardless of their place of work.
Experts link the staffing shortage to several factors, including the conscription of some teachers into the army, as well as local authorities' failure to fulfill promises regarding the allocation of land plots and other benefits for educators.
In response to this situation, the government developed a draft law "On the Status of the Teacher," which was adopted by the lower house of parliament. This law for the first time defines the legal, social, and financial status of teachers in a separate document.
The project was initiated at the request of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, who, in his address on Knowledge Day, emphasized the need to address issues in the education sector and called for raising the prestige of the teaching profession.
The new law also ensures the protection of teachers' rights and dignity, prohibiting their involvement in "subbotniks" (voluntary work days) and fundraising in schools. Educators will receive guarantees such as priority access to land plots and housing provision, which should contribute to improving their working and living conditions.
