Are teachers once again forced to repair schools in new Uzbekistan? (video)

A video circulating on social media shows teachers at School No. 42 in the Markhamat district of Andijan region carrying out repair work themselves. The regional Department of Preschool and School Education has responded to the situation.

It was reported that the situation is currently under control and an investigation is underway. Further details will be provided upon completion of the inquiry.

In the footage, all of the individuals involved in the repair work appear to be women. Among them are English, Russian, and mathematics teachers. Some are seen plastering walls and ceilings, while others are moving tables and chairs. Notably, some of the teachers are participating in the renovation work even while officially on leave.

It remains unclear whether the school staff joined the work voluntarily or were coerced. However, the video claims that teachers who participated in the repair efforts would be rewarded with additional teaching hours.

For reference, under the law establishing increased liability for obstructing educational personnel in the performance of their duties, any offense committed against a teaching staff member may result in a fine of 100 to 150 times the basic calculation amount.

Furthermore, according to the presidential resolution dated August 14, 2018, public education employees are prohibited from being involved in work unrelated to their professional responsibilities. This includes forced labor such as landscaping, urban cleaning, seasonal agricultural work, or other non-educational tasks.

The Cabinet of Ministers has also adopted a resolution titled “On Additional Measures to Eliminate Forced Labor in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

As a reminder, a previous case involved the headmaster of School No. 43 in the Pop district of Namangan region, who summoned teachers during the school vacation period and forced them to perform unrelated tasks until 4:00 p.m.