Are Uzbekistan’s schools returning to paper diaries?

Reports have circulated on social media claiming that traditional paper diaries and class registers are being reintroduced in schools across Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has commented on these reports.

According to the ministry, claims about a return to paper diaries have no legal basis. In line with the Presidential decree of September 5, 2018, “On measures to introduce new principles of management in the preschool and school education system,” and the decree of April 29, 2019, “On approving the Concept for the Development of the Public Education System of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030,” attendance records and academic performance of students in all general education schools are currently maintained through the eMaktab electronic journal system.

The aim of this system is to reduce teachers’ workload and to introduce modern information and communication technologies into the organization of the educational process. This approach has also proven effective in international practice.

It was noted that the introduction of the system has enabled parents to remotely monitor their children’s academic progress, ensured transparency in student assessment, and significantly reduced paperwork related to teachers’ activities.

“The Ministry of Preschool and School Education has not issued any instructions to schools to return to traditional diaries and class registers. We would like to emphasize that the digitalization processes being implemented in our country are irreversible,” the statement said.