The Jogorku Kenesh, specifically its committee on finance, budget, entrepreneurship, and competition development, held a discussion and approved a draft law amending certain legislative acts of the Kyrgyz Republic. This project includes amendments to the Code on Non-Tax Revenues, the Code on Offenses, as well as the Law on Universal Military Duty and Services.
The First Deputy Minister of Defense, Talaybek Sharshiev, emphasized that this draft law aims to establish fixed contribution amounts for citizens undergoing alternative service, as well as for mobilization reserve fees and the training of reserve officers.
A wide range of issues is planned to be addressed, including alternative service based on health conditions, religious beliefs, and mobilization reserve. Additionally, fines for violations of military registration may increase tenfold, from 1,000 to 10,000 soms:
▪️ Mobilization reserve — 75,000 soms
▪️ Alternative service due to family circumstances — 25,000 soms
▪️ Alternative service due to health conditions — 50,000 soms
▪️ Alternative service due to religious beliefs — 50,000 soms
▪️ Second category reserve (for citizens over 25 years old who have not evaded but have not served) — 50,000 soms
During the discussion, deputies expressed concern about the increase in contributions, believing it would negatively affect ordinary citizens. Deputy Kamila Talieva emphasized that when establishing contributions, the financial capabilities of citizens in the regions should be taken into account. Elvira Surabaldiyeva also raised the issue of corruption in military enlistment offices and questioned the reasonableness of increasing fees in light of these problems. Ilimbek Kubanychbekov pointed out the potential social inequality, as the opportunity for alternative service may only be accessible to wealthier citizens, while others would be obligated to serve in the army. Dastan Bekeshev proposed postponing the increase in fees for a year, arguing that the existing economic conditions already create difficulties for the population.
Who will suffer from this? Low-income families. This is truly sad. For wealthy people, 75,000 soms is not a problem, but the poor will suffer. To avoid social tension, I propose to adopt the draft law in the first reading, and in the second reading, postpone its implementation for at least a year. Let the presidential elections take place first. Currently, food prices are rising, and people's moods are deteriorating. Reports mention GDP growth, but they forget to mention the sharp increase in food prices.
According to Talaybek Sharshiev, in 2025, the ministry collected about 750 million soms for alternative service, while in 2024, this amount was 714 million. Bekeshev believes these figures are quite sufficient. Deputy Ulanbek Zhaanbaev also noted the procedure for undergoing alternative service and the mobilization reserve fees.
Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved the draft law on the ratification of the Temporary Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states with Mongolia, signed on June 27, 2025, in Minsk, Belarus, in the first reading.
