According to the deputy, the Ministry of Defense suggests raising the fees, citing an increase in the average salary, which was 14,300 soms in 2017 and reached 35,791 soms in 2024.
However, Talieva noted that the average salary in some regions, such as Batken (26,000 soms), Chui (27,000 soms), and Osh (25,000 soms), is significantly lower than this figure.
She emphasized: "Although 35,000 soms is the average level across the country, regional differences must be taken into account. We must remember the financial situation of citizens; otherwise, wealthy conscripts will be able to avoid service, while the poor will serve as required. I fear this will lead to a division between the rich and the poor."
Talieva also added that all men in Kyrgyzstan should serve in the army, but in her opinion, the army mainly consists of representatives of the titular nation. "Why don't others serve?" she posed the question.
In response, the First Deputy Minister of Defense Talaybek Sharshiev explained that conscripts must meet certain requirements.
He noted: "Only young men taller than 170 cm and with a complete family are accepted into the National Guard. According to existing norms, citizens with at least nine grades of education can be conscripted, but representatives of some nationalities only finish six grades. Psychiatrists do not allow them to serve, as they will not be able to memorize the charter."
The Ministry of Defense also proposes the following changes:
- to exclude specific amounts of fees stated in the Law "On the Universal Military Duty of Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, on Military and Alternative Services" and in the Code on Non-Tax Revenues;
- to establish that the amounts of fees will be determined by the government.
- for citizens aged 22 to 40 who have not served in the military and those who have completed alternative service, the fees will increase from 50,000 soms to 75,000 soms;
- for military-eligible individuals under 30 with higher education wishing to undergo reserve officer training - from 70,000 to 90,000 soms;
- for conscripts for alternative service due to family circumstances - from 18,000 to 25,000 soms;
- for conscripts with health limitations - from 25,000 to 40,000 soms;
- for members of registered religious organizations that do not allow military service and wish to perform community work (48 hours) - from 25,000 soms to 50,000 soms;
- for citizens over 25 who have not served in the military or alternative service and do not wish to pay the fees, in the absence of data on evasion of conscription, the amount will increase from 25,000 to 50,000 soms.
