During the meeting of the committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on finance, budget, and entrepreneurship development on February 2, she mentioned recent cases of detention of military enlistment office employees on charges of corruption in various regions, including Bishkek and Osh.
The deputy posed a rhetorical question: "How can the cabinet of ministers increase the fees when we still face issues such as corruption and cases of suicide in the army? How will we respond to citizens when facts remain without proper investigation?"
A representative of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that according to the law, all men who have reached the age of 18 are required to serve in the military. However, conscripts have the option to choose alternative service if they fall into certain categories, such as individuals with mild illnesses.
According to him, the current fees do not cover the costs for one serviceman, including logistics, uniforms, and food, which is what prompted the proposal to increase the fees.
Surabaldiyeva clarified why, in that case, fines are being increased.
"People are fleeing to other regions or even abroad," the representative of the Ministry of Defense replied.To this, the deputy remarked: "If there were no hazing and cases of suicide, conscripts would not be running away. They fear the service. I believe that everyone should fulfill their duties, but then we need to stop selling certificates to those who simply wish to avoid service. Discipline is important. You introduced this bill at a very inappropriate time. What will happen if the government raises the fees right before the draft? This is wrong - such decisions should be made by parliament deputies elected by the people," she stated, also inquiring about salary increases over the past five years.
In response, the representative of the Ministry of Defense said that salaries had been increased by 100%. The salary depends on the length of service and rank: lieutenants receive 60,000 soms, while colonels earn up to 100,000.
As a result of the discussion, committee members supported the concept of the bill by a majority vote, while Surabaldiyeva voted against it.
