By the April 1 presidential decree, Uzbekistan has overhauled its system for public engagement. The decree aims to "ensure an open and effective dialogue between the people and state bodies, further expanding citizen participation in governance through the absolute exercise of their right to petition."
The document focuses on streamlining the efficacy of People’s Receptions by establishing a "unified vertical system." It seeks to resolve grievances directly at the local level through integrated cooperation between these receptions, the "Mahalla Seven" (neighborhood leadership councils), and the press offices of state organizations.
Under the new structure, the President’s People’s Reception is a formal legal entity. Provincial branches will operate as its subordinate units, funded by local budgets. The entire system is overseen by the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration, with Farrukh Omonov, the department's deputy head, appointed to lead the People’s Reception in early April.
The People’s Reception is tasked with receiving individuals and legal entities who submit applications or grievances to the President and the Presidential Administration, ensuring their concerns are formally addressed. Its mandate is to organize the "comprehensive, exhaustive, objective, and timely review of appeals" while maintaining strict oversight of state bodies and other organizations.
Beyond individual cases, the People’s Reception will analyze systemic issues identified through these appeals or discovered on the ground to prepare actionable reports. It is also empowered to monitor how ministries, agencies, and local governing bodies comply with legislation regarding public grievances, issuing formal directives and instructions where necessary.
To fulfill these duties, the President’s People’s Reception has been granted the authority to investigate specific situations by involving law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and members of the "Mahalla Seven" (neighborhood leadership). Furthermore, it will oversee the "mobile" and public reception sessions held by state officials, with the power to issue mandatory requirements to ensure these sessions address the specific causes of public dissatisfaction.
This translation reflects the authoritative and reformist tone of the original, emphasizing the shift toward legal accountability and strict oversight in Uzbekistan’s governance.
Analytical reports regarding the status of public grievance handling will now be submitted directly to Parliament and regional Councils of People’s Deputies (Kengashes). The People’s Reception is empowered to issue mandatory representations to heads of state bodies concerning violations of petition laws, demanding the elimination of the root causes and conditions that led to such failures. Furthermore, the Reception is authorized to draft administrative violation protocols for identified breaches and refer them directly to the courts.
Its expanded powers also include issuing directives to state agencies to ensure the exhaustive verification and effective resolution of issues and arguments raised in citizen appeals. To fulfill these duties, the People’s Reception may demand statistical data, expert conclusions, and analytical materials from state bodies. Its representatives are granted unimpeded access to the premises of state organizations to audit their handling of public grievances and to resolve issues identified at social infrastructure sites. If state bodies fail to comply with these requirements or directives, the People’s Reception may refer the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for enforcement.
Starting May 1, a time-tracking system will be implemented for appeals submitted via the President’s Virtual Reception. Any appeal exceeding its legal processing timeframe will be automatically escalated to a superior state body for execution. A new categorization system - Urgent, Standard, and Requires Consultation - is also being introduced. Appeals returned for further review will be re-examined by higher authorities within three working days.
Furthermore, a new accountability cycle is established: the Legislative Chamber and Senate will hear reports from chiefs of state bodies at least quarterly. Similarly, the Senate or local councils of representatives will review reports from mayors and governors and regional agency heads. Finally, press offices of state organizations, in coordination with the People’s Receptions, must monitor and address public objections regarding grievance handling as reported in the media and social networks; these findings will directly impact the performance evaluations of the officials involved.
Follow us on:
