DUSHANBE, June 7, 2016, Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmon has signed a decree on measures aimed at strengthening the level of population''s social security and increasing the minimum wage, public sector wage, pensions and allowances [scholarships].

Under  this decree, the minimum wage, public sector wage, pensions and allowances are expected to be raised beginning on July 1 this year.

The minimum monthly wage in all sectors of the country''s economy will be raised by 60 percent from July 1, 2016, from 250.00 somoni to 400.00 somoni. 

The minimum and the maximum pensions are to be increased by 20 percent from July 1, 2016.

The current allowances [scholarships] for students are to be increased by 30 percent from July 1, 2016.

Wages for posts and current base wage rates of the staff of institutions and organizations which are funded from the state budget, including wages for special military ranks, servicemen and the staff of the power-wielding agencies are to be raised by 15 per cent from July 1, 2016.

Wages of employees of educational facilities, including preschool institutions, secondary schools and higher educational institutions, as well as cultural, scientific and sports facilities are to be increased by 20 percent from July 1, 2016.  

Wages of employees of social protection institutions, including centers for elderly people and people with disabilities, departments for domiciliary social aid, and resorts for war and labor veterans, are to be raised by 25 percent from July 1, 2016.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry Secretariat notes that additional 1.3 billion somoni are needed annually to provide rise in minimum wage, public sector wage, pensions and allowances.