All necessary measures are being taken in Kazakhstan to develop the languages of various ethnic groups living in the nation, said Deputy Prime Minister Berdibek Saparbayev at a recent national seminar on language as the basis of consent. “The policy pursued by our state is aimed at creating conditions for the development of languages of the peoples who live in our country,” said Saparbayev. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Kazakhstan has15 theatres performing in Russian, as well as four theatres in Korean, German, Uzbek and Uighur languages. “In Kazakhstan, newspapers are published in five languages of different ethnic groups, as well as the programmes on radio and television. In many cities and regional centres there are Sunday schools which aim to ensure that the people do not forget their languages, cultures and traditions,” said Saparbayev. According to official figures, among the 7,563 schools in Kazakhstan 1,291 are taught in Russian, 20 in Uzbek, 13 in Uighur, four in Tajik language and 2,100 schools are mixed. Among 8,467 preschools, 1,840 are Russian, three in other languages and 1,098 are bilingual. In 190 Sunday schools of ethno-cultural associations, native languages of 30 ethnic groups are studied.
Post office employees in Kazakhstan will be provided with smartphones and printers to receive orders and payments, according to a recent announcement by the chairman of the board of Kazpost Bagdat Mussin. “We will reconsider the image of postmen in order to modernise and improve it. This year, all postmen in each city and region will be provided with smartphones. The smartphone will receive orders, which allows postmen to avoid unnecessary walking from office to addressee. Secondly, it will mark the status of delivery. Thirdly, it will receive payments for communal services,” Mussin clarified. Salaries of Kazpost employees will be increased due to the company’s profit. According to him, at the moment 22,000 people work at Kazpost, 50 percent in rural areas.
The Kazakh Yeli – Mangilik Yel auto caravan, dedicated to the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate, left April 14 fromKokshetau, reported the Department of Internal Policy of Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. The organisers of the event noted the importance of formingKazakh Yeli – Mangіlіk Yel,as it fosters respect for the history of the country and the spirit of Kazakhstan patriotism. The caravan, which will end Aug. 30,is expected tocover all areas and cities of the country and began with the ceremoniallaying of flowers at the Abylai Khan monument. Regional Deputy Akim (Governor) Nurlan Nurkenov noted that this event is of great importance in consolidating society around core values – Kazakhstan’s independence, statehood, stability, peace and harmony. According to the organisers, scientists, historians, young people and intellectuals joined the caravan. They added that the tour is supposed to raise large-scale awareness and cultural and recreational activities among all categories of citizens and residents of the most remote stations and sidings. The final point will be the visit to the Burabai district – the famous headquarters of Abylai Khan as part of the history of the Kazakh Khanate.
Kazakh deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Vladimir Bozhko reported April 14 that the water committee has allocated more than 8 billion tenge (US$43.2 million) for dam repairs, which is very pertinent given the flooding in various regions of the country. Bozhko also said that all the hydraulic works were brought under control and examined and they opened the passport of the facilities. “However, some dams have been in private hands; they also receive regulations because we have tightened responsibility,” he added. Since Jan. 1, the inspection engaged in the operation and control of dam safety has been established in the Ministry of Agriculture.
