Kyrgyzstan’s subsistence minimum hit 3,571 som, while incomes lower than 963 soms are considered below poverty line, the Minister of Labor and Social Development Nazgul Tashpaeva said at the Ak Zhol fraction’s session in Parliament on Wednesday.

The voiced subsistence minimum is average for the pensioners, working people and children. The minimum includes funds monthly spent for food, utility and medical care bills by an average Kyrgyz citizen.

The minister noted that the subsistence minimum exceeds the minimal salary and the Minimal Salary Bill adopted in Bishkek in 2008 is yet ineffective. “Current economical situation does not allow putting this bill into practice,” said Tashpaeva.