In 2026, nearly 14 billion somoni has been allocated from the state budget for the education sector, which is 25.4% more compared to last year. According to the news agency citing the Ministry of Education and Science, this figure is 5.5 times higher than in 2015. However, it is not specified how this amount is […]
In 2026, nearly 14 billion somoni has been allocated from the state budget for the education sector, which is 25.4% more compared to last year.
According to the news agency citing the Ministry of Education and Science, this figure is 5.5 times higher than in 2015.
However, it is not specified how this amount is distributed across various areas of the education sector. It is also unknown how much funding has been allocated for general education.
“In 2025, 10 billion 909 million 496 thousand somoni was allocated from the state budget for the education sector, which constitutes 6.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 21.1% of the state budget’s expenditures,” the ministry reported.
According to the Ministry of Education, out of the total amount of 10 billion 909 million 496 thousand somoni last year, 6 billion 195 million somoni was directed towards general education, which is 35.6% more compared to 2024.
The increase in funding for the education sector occurs against the backdrop of the fact that this sector in Tajikistan is considered one of the most corrupt in the country. According to available statistical data, despite the significant budget, the education system is severely underdeveloped in terms of personnel training and the development of science and technology. Due to low salaries and unfavorable working conditions, teachers are forced to take bribes or participate in corrupt schemes.
In recent weeks, many complaints have been received at the Azda TV editorial office from various cities and regions of the country. Parents most often complained about constant fees in schools.
Parents reported that in many schools in Tajikistan, in addition to the so-called “monthly payment,” which is illegal in itself, teachers and school administration regularly collect money from students under various pretexts. This includes purchasing chalk and rags, repairing or installing doors and windows, repairing roads and toilets, and celebrating March 8, Teacher’s Day, and the birthdays of teachers and directors, where parents are asked to contribute from 100 to 200 somoni or more, while for school repairs, they collect from 100 to 500 somoni (with funds for the director’s office being collected separately), for purchasing electronic boards — 150 somoni, for installing surveillance cameras — 100 somoni, etc.
Some parents also complained that when enrolling a child in the first grade, the school administration demands a certain amount, and if parents do not make the payment, they are told that there are “no places” in the school.
Some teachers in correspondence with the Azda.tv editorial office reported that school administrations pressure them. According to them, they are forced to collect money from students, and sometimes the entire teaching staff is compelled to pay out of their own pockets. They stated that teachers are forced to leave the school due to constant collections “for guests,” as well as due to the manifestation of “nepotism” from the education system’s leadership, and are compelled to seek work as dishwashers or cleaners.
Numerous complaints from parents and teachers about monetary collections in schools have emerged against the backdrop of statements from representatives of the Ministry of Education of Tajikistan, including Minister Saidzada Rahim Hamro, who have repeatedly emphasized that education in public schools is free and the collection of funds from parents is prohibited.
Several days after the publication of these complaints, representatives of the Ministry of Education have still not commented on the report. There has also been no information regarding whether anti-corruption agencies have conducted inspections in schools based on these facts.