DUSHANBE, June 20, 2008, Asia-Plus -- On Friday June 20, President Emomali Rahmon signed a degree on measures aimed at strengthening the level of population''s social security and increasing the minimum wage, public sector wage, pensions and allowances [scholarships], presidential press service said.

By president’s decree the minimum monthly wage in all sectors of the country''s economy and the minimum monthly pension to be set at 60 somonis from July 1, 2008.   

Besides, wages for special military ranks, servicemen and the staff of the power-wielding agencies are also to be raised from July 1, 2008.   

Wages for the primary medical-sanitary aid facilities are to be raised by 70 percent and wages for other facilities of the health sector are to be increased by 50 percent. 

Wages of employees of science, social security and culture will be raised by 50 percent and wages of employees with remaining institutions funded from the national budget will be increased by 40 percent.  The maximum pension is set at 300 somonis.

In the meantime, wages in the education sector will be raised by 40 percent starting from September 1, 2008. 

The decree orders relevant bodies to take measures within two months to bring appropriate legal documents into compliance with the decree.