DUSHANBE, April 27, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Parliamentarians Muhiddin Kabiri and Saidumar Husaini, who represent the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) in Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon), have drafted amendments to the country’s law on the conscription and military service.

“These amendments will allow cardinally changing the procedure of conscription and service in the army and blocking the way to the negative phenomena such as shanghaiing and bribe giving,” MP Husaini told Asia-Plus in an interview.

According to him, the amendments will also promote strengthening of social protection of military personnel and pave the way for formation of the professional army in Tajikistan.

“We, in particular, suggest that at least average medium-sized wage should be paid to draftees,” Husaini said, noting that payments made by young men, who do not want to serve in the army, could be source for paying wages to draftees.  “The rate of these payments must be determined by the government,” the parliamentarian said.

“Besides, we propose to set up a special national army support foundation, to which the mentioned payments and donations will be transferred,” Husaini noted.

He further added that they also suggested that persons who did not undergo involuntary service should not have the right to join the public service.