President Emomali Rahmon has proposed introducing criminal responsibility for the illegal use of electricity and non-payment for it.

The Tajik president’s press service reports that during a government meeting on March 27, the president expressed concern over the irrational use of electricity and losses exceeding the norm during the fall-winter season of 2024-2025.

“He gave specific instructions to responsible persons to address existing serious shortcomings and prevent similar situations,” the press service stated.

The meeting reportedly also discussed the timely preparation of the economic and social sectors of the republic for uninterrupted and efficient operation during the fall-winter season of 2025-2026.

The head of state instructed the approval of an action plan to implement this goal and the creation of a national headquarters consisting of the heads of ministries and agencies for regular activities.  Ministries, agencies, and local government bodies were tasked with providing information on the progress of the action plan within the established deadlines.

The meeting also covered the Mid-Term Development Program of the Customs Authorities of Tajikistan for 2025-2029 and the Program for the Health, Rehabilitation, and Integration of prisoners convicted of extremist and terrorist crimes, or those involved in armed conflicts and military confrontations abroad, for 2025-2029, for which relevant decisions were made.  Several bills were approved.

Responsible officials reported on available lands, their distribution by groups, types, and land users in the republic as of January 1, 2025.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the president gave instructions on organizing the timely and high-quality spring sowing, especially for cotton and potatoes, as well as on implementing the directives from the President’s address to the Majlisi Oli and other tasks.

As it had been reported earlier, Muhammad Ghulomzoda, a representative of Open Joint-Stock (OJSC) Distribution Electric Networks, told reporters in Dushanbe on February 11 that as of January 1, 2025, the total debt for electricity consumption in Tajikistan—accumulated by households, industrial enterprises, and government institutions—owed to OJSC Distribution Electric Networks has reached 4.1 billion somonis.  This reportedly marks an increase of 636.8 million somonis (18%) compared to the previous year.