Starting January 1, fees for services in state-run kindergartens in Tajikistan have increased.

“Parents now pay 150 somonis per month, up from 144 somonis,” an official source within the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) told Asia-Plus in an interview.

The rise is attributed to an increase in the calculation indicator (CI), which is now equal to 75.00 somonis, up from 72.00 somonis.

In major cities like Dushanbe, Khujand, and Bokhtar, the fee is based on two CIs.

In mountainous and remote areas, the cost is 1.5 CIs or 112.5 somonis (previously 108 somonis in 2024).

Payments must be made cashless through the Smart Pay program.

Authorities in remote areas, however, can adjust prices to reflect local conditions, and in such cases, cash payments may be accepted.

This increase does not apply to private kindergartens, where fees are determined in coordination with the Antimonopoly Agency and a MoES.

Addressing shortages

A lack of kindergartens, especially in mountainous regions, remains a significant problem. To address this, President Emomali Rahmon, in his December 28, 2024 annual address to a joint meeting of both chambers of parliament directed the construction of 800 kindergartens within five years to serve 50% of preschool-age children.

Regional and city administrators must ensure that every settlement with over 100 families builds at least one preschool facility.