Uzbekistan authorities plan to cut more than two thousand officials by the end of October in connection with the implementation of artificial intelligence systems in the work of the state apparatus. The relevant measures are provided for by the decree signed by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
By the end of October, 2,141 staff units should be eliminated in the country’s executive power. This decision was adopted within the framework of broad reforms aimed at the modernization of public administration. The changes involve the use of modern digital technologies, market mechanisms, as well as the involvement of the private sector in the performance of some government functions. The goal of the innovations is to increase the efficiency of the republican executive bodies and reduce management costs.
The biggest reductions will take place in the Tax Committee – 498 positions. 224 staff positions will be cut in the Ministry of Water Management, 200 in the Ministry of Agriculture, and 197 in the Ministry of Justice. 176 positions will be cut in the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and 163 in the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction. The number of deputy heads will also decrease significantly: in committees – from 11 to seven, in agencies – from 12 to six, in inspections – from 13 to seven.
“The Public Employment Service and the Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan are ordered to facilitate the employment of workers who have been laid off”, the decree says.
The administrative reform in the country started as early as December 2022 and includes, in particular, a 30% reduction in the staff of all ministries.
