Tajikistan’s lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament has endorsed the law on the universal military duty in new edition. A one-month paid basic reserve service will be organized in Tajikistan for those who did not perform conscript service.
A regular sitting of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, presided over by its head, Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, took place on January 20.
Presenting the bill to lawmakers, Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo noted that only some 10 percent of young men of draft age are drafted into the army, while remaining 90 percent are being left behind.
According to him, a one-month basic reserve service will be organized for those who did not perform conscript service for a fee.
“At the end of basic reserve service they will receive military cards,” the defense minister said.
Besides, under the law on the universal military duty in new edition, graduates of universities having military department will also be drafted into the army for one year.
According to the Ministry of Defense, every year, some 15,000-16,000 young Tajik men are drafted into the country’s armed forces.
The two-month-long effort seeking to enlist young men aged 18-27 for the two-year compulsory military service takes place twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn.
Young Tajiks can avoid or postpone military service if they are ill, studying at university, an only son, or if they have two children.
Tajikistan’s armed forces consist of Ground Forces, Mobile Forces (paratroopers of the armed forces of Tajikistan), Air Force and Air Defense Force.
