President of Turkmenistan pardons prisoners
President Berdymukhamedov signed a decree pardoning 1,166 prisoners in honor of the Holy Gadyr Gijesi (Night of Omnipotence).
Source: Turkmenistan.ru
Turkmen President Reprimands Chairman of State Tourism Committee
President Berdymukhamedov reprimanded the Chairman of the State Sports and Tourism Committee, Palvan Taganov, “for unsatisfactory performance of official duties and failures at work.”
Source: Turkmenistan.ru
Fire at Dashoguz Market
On August 6, a fire erupted at the central municipal market in Dashoguz. The same day more than 50 people were admitted to Dashoguz hospitals, including some with burns over 75% of their bodies. Eight people died of severe burns and several other injured residents remain in critical condition. The official print media made the following report on the fire: “A local fire broke out at the Dashoguz central market which was extinguished in the shortest possible time thanks to prompt measures which were undertaken. There are no victims.”
Source: Turkmenistan Chronicles
Turkmen Officials Fired, Reprimanded for Fire on Dashoguz Market
President Berdymukhamedov severely reprimanded the Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Bayar Abaev for “poor performance of official duties, slackening control over the country’s markets and failure to observe the fire safety rules on the markets.” On August 9 President Berdymukhamedov fired the Dashoguz regional prosecutor, Begench Allagulyev, and his deputy Handurdy Handurdyev “for shortcomings in work.” The Mayor of Dashoguz, Esenmyrad Orazgeldiev, received a severe reprimand “for unsatisfactory performance, slackening control over the country’s markets and failure to observe the fire safety rules on the markets.” These disciplinary measures were taken following the fire at the Dashoguz market.
Source: trend.az, Turkmenistan Chronicles
Rukhnama Abolished
In a revised school curriculum developed by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan for secondary schools, Rukhnama, is no longer included as a school subject. Consequently, starting from September 1, 2013, schoolchildren will not be studying the once ”Holy Rukhnama”, authored by the former Turkmen President S. Niyazov. The hours allotted for the study of the Rukhnama will be replaced by other school subjects. The school curriculum for senior graders includes newly-introduced subjects, such as “Fundamentals of Economics”, “Fundamentals of Environmental Science”, “Cultural Legacy of Turkmenistan” and “World Culture.” The study of the Rukhnama in secondary schools and institutions of higher education was introduced in 2002. Several years later, after Berdymukhammedov’s rise to power, this subject was abolished from the curriculum of higher educational establishments and the number of hours allotted to its study in secondary schools was also reduced. At the same time, university applicants will have to pass an exam on Rukhnama.
Source: Turkmenistan Chronicles
Employees of Turkmen Airlines Leave Jobs
At the beginning of July, Turkmeni Airlines pilots demanded a salary increase for their salaries which are currently 500 USD and improved working conditions. The administration of Turkmen Airlines denied their requests and proposed they resign if dissatisfied with their work. Nearly all of the airlines’ staff – 60 staff members – resigned. The administration of the Turkmen Airlines was not prepared for such a response and now must either increase the salaries or operate without pilots.
Source: Turkmenistan Chronicles
All Turkmen Citizens Must Buy Bycicles
On August 11 Ashgabat held a large bicycle race with the participation of governmental officials, state enterprise employees, and students. A week earlier, the President took part in another bicycle ride and commented that it would be good to have more people participate in a similar event on September 1. Following his statement, government officials and heads of state enterprises ordered their employees to buy bicycles. The prices on bicycles immediately went up, and the unspoken rule is that the senior management of ministries and companies are to buy bikes for about 500 USD, while regular employees are to spend about 170 USD. By September 1 all able-bodied Turkmen citizens are to own a bike.
Source: Turkmenistan Chronicles
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