"Starting in April, salaries of cultural workers will increase by 50%, and we will raise bonuses from 30% to 70%," - head of the Ministry of Culture

In an interview with AKIpress, the Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, shared plans to increase salaries for cultural workers.

He reported that starting in April of this year, the salaries of all budget employees working in the fields of education and culture will be increased by 50%. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture has proposed increasing bonuses for its employees.

“This initiative has been approved by the Chairman and members of the Cabinet of Ministers. Theaters and cultural institutions have special funds that they generate themselves. Previously, only 30% of these funds could be allocated for bonuses, but now we have increased this share to 70% to enhance the motivation of our employees,” noted Mirbek Mambetaliev.

Earlier, the head of government, Adylbek Kasymaliev, reported that in 2026, a salary increase for civil servants is planned in two stages. The first increase, by 50%, will affect teachers, medical workers, cultural workers, and support staff and will take place in April. The second stage, which also involves a 50% increase, is scheduled for September 1 and will impact state and municipal employees.

Kasymaliev indicated that implementing these increases will require about 57 billion soms per year, of which 39 billion soms are already accounted for in the budget for 2026.