KHUJAND, February 14, 2014, Asia-Plus -- Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Sh.Sh., resident of the northern city of Konibodom, whose children failed for months to attend school.  

An official source at the Interior Ministry’s office in Sughd province says criminal proceedings have been instituted against Sh.Sh. under the provisions of Article 164 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code - preventing from getting basic compulsory education; an investigation is under way. 

“His son, who is a fifth grade student, and his daughter, who is a seventh grade student, have missed school since November 2013,” the source noted.

According to data from the Sughd education department, 28 parents were punished for children’s truancy in Sughd province last year, which is 14 cases more than in 2012.

Besides, 338 parents were implicated in not fulfilling their obligations on education of children, and administrative action was imposed upon them.

The constitution obliges parents to enable their children to attend school and that all children between the ages of seven and 16 must do so.