In the western part of Turkmenistan, in the Balkan vilay, budget sector workers, including teachers and doctors, were forced to interrupt their vacations to participate in agricultural work. According to the Turkmen section of Radio Swoboda, Azatlik, these actions are the consequence of decisions by local authorities.
Working in utmost Conditions
Teachers, medical staff, city services and another budget sector workers were forced to interrupt leave and participate in trim and cotton collection. "Teachers and staff of medical institutions, city service staff and another budget sector workers (...) who are on leave are forced to halt their vacation and participate in agricultural work on the instructions of their superiors," reports correspondent Azatlyka in the Balkan Oblast.
Medical experts study that they have been informed of the work to work for 15-20 days. 1 doctor who wanted to stay anonymous described the working conditions: “We start working in the field... at 7:00 a.m. and work until 7:00 p.m. They bring us by bus... The temperature is over 45 degrees Celsius, but we don't even get water during work. The three-litre jars we bring with us are adequate until noon.”
Criticism and Reprimands
The decision to send an additional labour force to cotton fields was a direct consequence to criticism from hakim (equivalent to the politician of the circuit). "The cotton harvest work is delayed, and late hakim criticized the administration. After reprimanding, hakim etrapu (the equivalent of the governor) sent most medical personnel and almost all teachers into the field," explained an anonymous informant.
In addition, another sources claim that public sector workers are besides forced to work in cotton fields owned by private owners. "On Wednesday, about 50 wellness professionals were brought into the cotton harvest on 95 hectares of cotton fields reportedly belonging to a government official. They were given no water or food. People felt like medieval slaves," Azatlyka said. In addition, employees received mobile phones to limit contact with the outside world.
Agriculture problems in the Balkan Oblast
The Balkan Oblast produces the least cotton of all Turkmenistan provinces due to the unfavourable climate. A fewer years ago, the Turkmenistan government decided to limit cotton cultivation to sugar beet. However, the problem of forced labour remains unresolved and public sector workers are engaged free of charge in beet, potatoes and another plants.
Permanent Force Work Problem
Regular reports of the usage of budget sector workers and students for field work in Turkmenistan appear in the media. People forced to work are usually not paid and are at hazard of dismissal or university.
The Reality of Life in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan, formed after the collapse of the USSR, is 1 of the most oppressive countries in the world. More presidents suppress all manifestations of freedom of expression and civilian liberties by controlling the media and the activities of citizens. The deficiency of opposition, the large poverty, and the construction of costly, unnecessary buildings by the authorities, is the everyday life in this country. More and more people want to leave the country in search of a better life, although the authorities restrict the anticipation of leaving.
Summary
The situation in the Balkan wave in Turkmenistan, where budget sector workers are forced to work in agriculture, illustrates the country's wider problems. Forced labour, deficiency of pay, utmost working conditions and a oppressive government are just any of the challenges facing Turkmenistan citizens.
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Budgetary staff called to work on cotton harvesting
