DUSHANBE, November 16, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) have considered and endorsed amendments to the constitutional laws on the Majlisi Oli (Tajik parliament) and legal status of members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) and deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon.

A regular sitting of the third session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, presided over by its chairman, Shukurjon Zuhurov, was held on November 16.

Presenting the bill requiring amendments to the law on legal status of members of the Majlisi Milli  and deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, Minister of Finance Safarali Najmiddinov noted that a monthly salary of a deputy of the Majlisi Namoyandagon was raised on September 1 this year from 3,300 somoni to 4,950 somoni (equivalent to more than 1,000 U.S. dollars).

According to him, the Majlisi Namoyandagon deputy monthly salary in 2000 was only 100.00 somoni.

The minister noted that the amendments proposed to the law by the government provided for reducing parliamentarians’ social guarantee package.  The social guarantees of parliamentarians will nearly be halved.

Thus, the term of retention of salary of deputy of the Majlisi Namoyandagon after termination of powers will be reduced from six to three months.

The amendments were approved by the majority of votes.