Does the governor of Fergana assume the authority of the Ministry?

The Governor of Fergana Region, Hayrullo Bozorov, has transferred the responsibility for providing food to state pre-school educational institutions in Quvasoy to the newly established "Garden Catering Trade '' enterprise, which commenced operations nine days ago.

In accordance with the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Further Improvement of the System of Healthy Feeding in State Pre-School Educational Institutions," the Ministry of Pre-School and School Education is vested with the authority to conduct tenders for the provision of food to kindergartens.

This decision stipulates that the organization of healthy meals in state preschool educational institutions is to be carried out through outsourcing (utilization of external resources).

"It should be noted that the organization of healthy feeding in state preschool education institutions is managed through outsourcing based on the results of a competition held by the Ministry of Pre-School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan," the document states.

However, on July 25 of this year, Governor Hayrullo Bozorov signed a decision titled "On Measures to Organize Healthy Meals in State Pre-School Educational Institutions." This decision transferred the catering of students in state preschool educational institutions in Kuvasoy to the "Garden Catering Trade" enterprise without conducting a competition or tender.

Dilmurod Jumaboyev, the press secretary of the Fergana regional governor, informed QALAMPIR.UZ that Hayrullo Bozorov's decision is not illegal.

"Uzbekistan does not have a specific regulation for the catering system in pre-school educational institutions. Generally, in the outsourcing method, specific procedures for food delivery are outlined, and there are numerous such enterprises. The catering system for state preschool educational institutions has been implemented experimentally only in the Tashkent region, with a five-month pilot test also being conducted in Fergana. The reason is that not only in Fergana but also in other regions, catering enterprises are virtually nonexistent," he explained.

The press secretary further noted that the transition from the outsourcing method to the catering method was due to the poor quality of meals and food products supplied to kindergartens.

"During regional administration investigations, it was found that food products were mishandled, sanitary and hygienic standards were not observed, and substandard products were delivered. Consequently, this authority was assigned to the sole catering company in the region. This company provides pre-packaged meals to underprivileged kindergartens on an outsourcing basis, with billing occurring after a five-month trial period. The company employs 12 Turkish chefs and 2 food technologists," Jumaboyev stated.

He also addressed the query regarding any relation between the head of the enterprise, Iqboljon Bozorov, and the regional governor, Hayrullo Bozorov, affirming that they are not related beyond sharing a surname.

For reference, the "Garden Catering Trade '' enterprise in Quvasoy District of Fergana Region began operations on July 16 of this year. Governor Hayrullo Bozorov personally attended the opening ceremony and acquainted himself with the company's activities. Nine days later, the enterprise was authorized to supply food to state preschool educational institutions throughout the capital district.