“I submitted documents to three universities and paid 280 soms at that time. For our family, that was a significant amount of money, and I had to sell my guitar,” he shared.
Bekeshev also reminded that previously the cost of taking each subject was 200 soms, but later the price increased to 470 soms.“This creates difficulties for low-income families. Moreover, each family is forced to send their children to paid preparatory courses for the ORT. This is not only stressful but also incurs significant financial costs. I conducted an analysis, and in most CIS countries, Europe, and the USA, funds for such tests are allocated from the state budget, and families do not bear the expenses,” the deputy noted.
According to Bekeshev, the state budget currently has a surplus, but funds for this area are still not allocated.
“Let’s start this year. Let’s make the preparation and passing of the test free. I urge the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds for the ORT. We have the opportunity in the budget, as the Ministry of Finance says, there is money. It is necessary to assess how much will be needed and include it in the budget,” he addressed his colleagues, adding that graduates are forced to wait a whole month for the test results, although the process could be automated.
Additionally, Bekeshev mentioned that residents of the Uzgen district approached him with a question about why some students are not allowed to take the ORT.
“Schools select the ten best students to take the test to improve their own ranking. This is illegal. Educational institutions should not hinder the passing of the ORT,” he emphasized.
The deputy also expressed the opinion that the ORT is not required for admission to colleges after the 9th grade.
