DUSHANBE, June 25, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan’s lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) today organized hearing over inspection of financing of libraries in the country.

The meeting participants included parliamentarians and senior representatives of relevant ministries and organizations.

The meeting, in particular, discussed the progress of implementation of government’s decree on financing of republican libraries in 2006-2015.

Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Marhabo Jabborova, Chairperson of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Policy, noted that more than 1 million somoni had been allocated under the mentioned decree.  “59 libraries across the country have been repaired since 2006 and the number of children’s libraries has increased from 64 to 72,” Ms. Jabborova said.

“However, despite the taken measures, many libraries across the country still remain in a very poor state,” said Jabborova.  “Thus, 116 libraries in Sughd, 145 libraries in Khatlon, 49 libraries in Gorno Badakhshan and 109 libraries in districts subordinate to the center need urgent repairs.”

She also noted that Tajikistan was currently experiencing an acute shortage of skilled library staff.