Videos have spread on social networks showing a group of women engaged in repair work at a school. They were busy cleaning and whitewashing the walls and ceilings in the school classrooms and halls.
The author of one of the videos states that they are teachers who teach mathematics, English, Russian, labor, and other subjects. Despite being on vacation, they were called to the school for "community work."
It became known that these women are teachers from School No. 42 in the Marhamat district of the Andijan region.
The Ministry of Preschool and School Education commented on the video, stating that the situation is under strict control and is being thoroughly investigated.
"It should be noted that the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan 'On the Status of Teachers' clearly prohibits involving teachers in work unrelated to their professional duties. Moreover, any form of administrative coercion to labor entails liability as prescribed by law. From this perspective, appropriate measures will be taken against the responsible officials who caused the aforementioned situation," the statement reads.
It was also requested not to generalize the situation at one school as representative of the overall conditions.
The Andijan regional administration also commented on the situation, noting that since the issue concerns the dignity and respect of teachers, the matter has been placed under special oversight by the regional governor.
"In cooperation with relevant organizations, the regional administration has promptly formed a working group and initiated a thorough investigation. Since this situation is currently under investigation, we urge social media users, bloggers, and media representatives not to spread unverified information," the administration's message states.
It was noted that detailed information will be provided upon completion of the investigation, and strict measures will be taken against those responsible for the situation.
"The regional administration fully supports the opinions expressed on social media that the primary duty of teachers is to provide education, upbringing, and shaping the future generation. It emphasizes that involving teachers in non-educational tasks is absolutely illegal," the administration's statement reads.
