Some Tajik officials believe that the people themselves are to blame for many of the acute problems of society, despite the fact that solving these problems is their direct responsibility.
The high cost and low speed of the Internet, rising meat prices, electricity shortages, and insufficient use of new technologies in schools are some of the most pressing topics that have been discussed at recent press conferences.
In response to journalists' questions about the causes of these problems, some officials referred to the population – they say, “the people are responsible for everything”. Although it is difficult to see a causal relationship in most cases.
“People don't know how to use the Internet properly”
At the press conference of the Tajik Communications Service, as always, a discussion began about the low speed of the Internet and its high cost, which in recent years have been criticized by journalists and civil society.
Even the country's president, Emomali Rahmon, criticized the quality of the Internet and the price for it in his annual message in 2022.
However, at a press conference, representatives of the Communications Service stated that “The Internet in Tajikistan is working at 100%, but people do not know how to use it correctly”.
“We don't have a culture of using the Internet, it's not a secret. Our people have become picky. They want the Internet to respond to their requests instantly. But for what?
For example, I'm riding a bus and I notice that teenagers are watching TikTok. Is it really necessary for this? They don't understand that the Internet is supposed to solve problems. We must use the Internet in the right places,” - said Rafikjon Shokirov, Head of the Communications and Information Department of the Service.
However, he never mentioned that it was the Communications Service that was responsible for these problems and that he and his colleagues held their positions precisely to solve them.
“They began to eat more meat”
This year, meat prices in the country's markets have increased sharply. Currently, the cost of one kilogram of beef and mutton in the city of Dushanbe ranges from 85 to 100 somoni. Previously, a kilogram of beef cost 76-78 somoni, and mutton cost about 80 somoni.
This issue was also discussed at a press conference of several ministries and departments. These structures attributed the sharp increase in meat prices to various factors, but they constantly emphasized that the population began to consume and buy meat more.
At a press conference of the Ministry of Agriculture, the reason for the increase in beef prices in Tajikistan was called an increase in meat consumption among the population.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nigina Anvari noted that “people began to eat more meat, the demand for beef and mutton among the population has increased”.
“Today, meat is consumed more in the country's cities, because residents eat at least twice a day in canteens, where they cannot do without meat,” - said another Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mashokir Nazarzoda.
In addition, they called weddings and celebrations another reason for the increased demand for meat.
“The parents did not agree”
Two years ago, the country's Ministry of Education and Science announced that it was developing a draft resolution on the introduction of new technologies in schools, according to which the use of mobile phones in schools for educational purposes would be allowed.
However, at the last press conference, Education Minister Rahim Saidzoda said that the project was not implemented due to the dissatisfaction of parents, because, in their opinion, tablets distract children from the educational process. He added that most of them believe that students will get involved in games instead of studying.
Although, according to Saidzoda, the entire curriculum on the use of new technologies was even posted on the ministry's website. At the same time, the minister added that this issue has not been closed and it will be considered and discussed in the future.
The reason for the energy limit is the increased demand of the population
The issue of lack of electricity remains one of the main problems for residents of the country in the autumn-winter period. Sometimes problems with the “limit” of electricity occur even in spring and summer, although the authorities rarely admit this. In recent years, “Barqi Tojik” has often been criticized for selling electricity abroad.
At the last press conference, the first deputy chairman of “Barqi Tojik”, Abdullo Kurbonzoda, linked the quality of electricity supply to the population in the autumn-winter period with the attitude of consumers themselves to electricity.
Company spokesman Nozir Yodgori noted in this regard that “the most correct way that can reduce seasonal electricity shortages is careful, economical electricity consumption by the population”.
Earlier, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Daler Juma, stated that one of the reasons for the introduction of a “limit” on electricity is an increase in demand from the population.
Ignorance or fear of losing the seat?
Experts say that officials who shift the blame to the people are either incompetent in their field or afraid of losing their positions.
The head of the Center for Journalistic Studies of Tajikistan, Khurshed Atovullo, who constantly analyzes the actions and behavior of officials, believes that one of the main reasons why some officials blame the people for the problems that have arisen is precisely ignorance in their field or fear of losing their seat.
“When they don't understand the essence of the issue, they try to avoid responsibility in any way,” - he says.
At the same time, according to Khurshed Atovullo, among those who use such solutions, there are those who understand the problem, but cannot solve it.
“They understand their business perfectly well, but they shift the blame to the people, because if they tell the truth, it can harm the debt they have taken up,” - he said.
It should be noted that due to the laws of the country, solving problems and finding solutions are entrusted to the proper persons and relevant authorities. To do this, the State gives them the appropriate powers.
Education of the population in solving some social problems takes place at a time when, according to the country's Constitution, solving problems and finding ways to solve them are entrusted to debtors and relevant authorities.
In case of non-performance of official duties, officials may be held accountable.
In the 2022 messages, President Emomali Rahmon stated that “each of the heads of state structures and bodies and all civil servants are obliged to selflessly and honestly serve the dear people of Tajikistan”.
Definitely, it seems that some of our officials have forgotten about it. Or, as Layeq Sherali said, “What is the reason? People!”.
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