Improving transparency of scholarship process in Kazakhstan
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Scholarship payments from the state are an important instrument of support for students, helping them to partially cover financial expenses and focus on their studies. In recent years, a significant step has been made towards strengthening material support for students, which is an important part of the state policy to improve access to education and stimulate academic performance, primeminister.kz reports.
Thus, from 2020 the amount of state scholarships has been doubled, with additional payments provided for excellent students, as well as for students from socially vulnerable categories: orphans and persons with disabilities.
Since 2022, according to the Education Law of RK, the responsibility for the payment of scholarships was transferred to Financial Centre JSC. However, only in 2024, due to the automation of business processes of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, it became possible to fully centralise the process of scholarship payments in organisations of higher and postgraduate education, which significantly increased the transparency and efficiency of the system.
The transfer of functions to Financial Centre JSC contributed to the introduction of a unified approach to the administration of scholarships, optimisation of labour costs and improvement of overall transparency. To minimise the risks of misuse of funds, student data is checked in several state databases.
To date, scholarships are paid on time in more than 88 higher education institutions, covering more than 200,000 students every month. Funds are transferred to the recipients' current bank accounts opened with second-tier banks or through the national postal operator. All payments are received by the end of the current month, in accordance with the established rules.
From September 2025, the amounts of state scholarships will be as follows:
- for doctoral students, including Health Care - 262,500 tenge;
- for resident doctors and master's students of medical specialities - 134,664 tenge;
- for master's students - 117,098 tenge;
- for interns - 94,862 tenge;
- for students of pedagogical and medical specialities - 84,000 tenge;
- for students of other specialities - 52,372 tenge;
- for students of technical and vocational education (working qualifications) - 41,896 tenge;
- for students of secondary technical and post-secondary education - 43,574 tenge.
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President shares thoughts on transition to single time zone
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Regarding the discussions about the transition to a single time zone. The Government and the Parliament have discussed this issue. Special studies have been conducted, which did not prove the critical concerns of the public true. I agree with the Government and the majority of deputies, as well as with specialists," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in his remarks at the 4th gathering of the Ulttyq Qurultay.
The Head of State suggested putting an end to the discussion and stop politicizing the issue.
In our large country with a relatively small population, there should be a single time zone, which simplifies state management, helps optimize logistics and many business processes. I think we should put an end to the discussion, and moreover, this issue should not be politicized," he added.
Earlier, it was reported that the 4th meeting of Ulttyq Qurultay has kicked off in Burabay.
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Kazakh President calls for necessary changes to tax legislation
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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for steps to take now to introduce changes to the tax legislation during a meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress) on Friday, Kazinform News Agency reports.
It’s true that profit fragmentation is a result of failure in the legislation; it lacked the necessary evaluation by the government and deputies. In chase of good performance with allegedly over 2 million taxpayers, including individual entrepreneurs and legal entities, registered across the country, we failed to analyze their origin, how much taxes they pay or if they pay even pay taxes, stated the President.
Tokayev urged the government and parliament to introduce necessary changes to the legislation.
According to the President, a just and efficient tax system is the matter of the future of the country, the wellbeing of upcoming generations.
As earlier reported, the Kazakh government suggests setting minimum standard VAT rate at 16%.
Earlier it was reported that the IV meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress) with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, had kicked off in Burabay resort area.
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Kazakhstan changed a lot in past three years - President Tokayev
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Addressing the IV meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay ongoing in Burabay, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the participants on the Amal Kuni (Korisu) holiday, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Meeting relatives and close ones after a long winter is our ancient tradition rooted in the depth of centuries. This day symbolizes the beginning of celebration of Nauryz, which coincided this year with the holy month of Ramadan. These bright and sacred days call for virtue, promoting noble and creative values. Holding the Qurultay on these days is a good sign. Three years ago, in an address to the nation, I initiated large-scale reforms aimed at drastical renovation of the country. The idea of establishment of the Ulttyq Qurultay was announced at that time too," said the President.
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He said the political reforms enabled to carry out comprehensive transformations.
Following the nationwide referendum, amendments to the Constitution were made. The powers of the Parliament were expanded. The Government’s accountability was enhanced. The system of human rights protection has been improved. The Constitutional Court was set up. Important reforms have been implemented in many areas," said the President.
Earlier it was reported that the IV meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay (National Congress) with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan kicked off in Burabay resort area.
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Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Amal Kuni
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev heartily congratulated today all Kazakhstanis on the Amal Kuni (Day of Greetings), Kazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
The Head of State wished all Kazakhstanis good health and well-being on Amal Kuni, the herald of the Nauryz holiday.
He said on this day people usually meet family members and close ones, the elders give the youth their blessings. Since ancient times, our people cultivated such merits as amiability, generosity and compassion in the younger generation through such traditions. In modern Kazakhstan all this is reflected in the Adal Azamat concept.
The Head of State noted that today the unique tradition of korisu (greeting) celebrated before the Nauryz Meiramy is reviving nationwide. He expressed confidence that it will contribute to strengthening unity and solidarity of our people.
In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished all happiness and joy, good health and wellbeing.
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Kazakhstan eyes expanding protected area coverage
Kazakhstan seeks to expand the coverage of its protected areas to 12.5% of the country’s total territory, Daniyar Turgambayev, chairman of the forestry and wildlife committee, said during a press conference on Thursday, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Currently, the country is developing a draft biodiversity conservation concept to comply with the Convention on Biological Diversity, targeting expanding protected area coverage to 12.5%, which presently stands at 11.3%.
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According to him, 2.8 million tourists visited the country’s protected areas in 2024, 400,000 more than in 2023.
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Olzhas Bektenov checks implementation of President's instructions on creation of nuclear cluster in Abay region
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Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov within the framework of his working trip to Abay region checked the progress of implementation of the Head of State's instructions on the development of energy and creation of nuclear cluster, given at the enlarged Government session in January this year, primeminister.kz reports.
During a flight over the territory of the former Semipalatinsk test site, the head of the Government inspected the facilities of the test site Balapan, including Atomic Lake and mine launchers. Prime Minister also got acquainted with the work of the research nuclear reactor Baikal-1, the world's first specialized tokamak (toroidal chamber with magnetic coils), visited the National Nuclear Centre, where he held a meeting on energy security. During his working trip Prime Minister familiarised himself with the measures taken for the socio-economic development of the city of Kurchatov. In particular, on restoration of housing stock, modernisation of engineering infrastructure, etc.
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During the inspection of the unique experimental thermonuclear installation tokamak KTM Prime Minister familiarised himself with the main equipment and results of the ongoing research. This is the first specialised installation of such level in the world, put into operation for the last 10 years. The tokamak is designed for fundamental and applied research in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion, testing of materials for reactors. Experiments on plasma discharge research and materials testing are conducted here, which is an important direction for the development of thermonuclear technologies in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In the office of the National Nuclear Centre (NNC), the head of the Government was reported on key projects in the peaceful use of atomic energy. The Centre is a leading research organisation specialising in nuclear safety, nuclear power and radiation ecology. The issues of further scientific research, development of international cooperation, as well as training of highly qualified specialists were covered. Olzhas Bektenov emphasised the importance of continuing research in the region, aimed at restoring the ecological balance.
A meeting on energy security was also held here under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov, Managing Director of the National Wealth Fund ‘Samruk-Kazyna’ Ernat Berdigulov, Director General of the National Nuclear Centre RSE Erlan Batyrbekov reported on preparations for the construction of Kazakhstan's First Deputy Minister of Energy.
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Head of State has set us an important task to develop the energy sector and create a nuclear cluster. Kazakhstan is a leader in uranium exports with a 43% share in the world market. We have experience in using research reactors and powerful scientific potential. The transition to a full nuclear fuel cycle will ensure progress in all sectors of the economy," Olzhas Bektenov said.
At the end of the meeting, the Head of the Government gave a number of instructions to the leadership of the relevant departments.
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President Tokayev meets with EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held today a meeting with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, Akorda reports.
While greeting the high-ranking official, Tokayev highlighted that Kazakhstan attaches priority importance to comprehensive cooperation with the EU - a key foreign economic and investment partner of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan remains a key partner of the EU in Central Asia, with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement providing a solid foundation for deepening our multifaceted interaction, said the Kazakh leader.
In turn, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela thanked the Kazakh President for the meeting and noted that the EU pays great attention to the region.
It’s my first important mission as European Commissioner for International Partnerships. My decision to tour the five Central Asian countries is not an accident, which is clearly confirmed by the EU’s intention to ensure deeper and more sustainable interaction with Kazakhstan and other nations of the region, said Jozef Síkela.
The interlocutors also discussed a number of practical issues of bilateral agenda with a focus on the existing and new economic projects aimed at developing transport corridors, logistics infrastructure, sustainable energy and digital solutions.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Jozef Síkela also exchanged views on the ongoing issues of regional and global agenda, pledging mutual readiness for further coordination of approaches on the global scene, including within the Central Asia - European Union format.
As it was reported, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, is visiting Central Asian countries from March 12 to 18 to strengthen the EU-Central Asia cooperation ahead of the upcoming EU-Central Asia Summit.
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