On January 15, the president adopted a resolution on measures to develop reading culture and increase interest in reading among the population, the press service of the Ministry of Justice reports.

The main goal of the document was to bring the average annual level of reading culture among the population (the number of books read per person) to 10 books in 2026-2030. According to the decree, a Reading Culture Development Fund (without the status of a legal entity) will be established under the Youth Affairs Agency, and its Board of Trustees will be approved.

It has been determined that the Fund’s resources are allocated to finance the following activities:

  • allocation of grants and publication of works by young writers through a competition, as well as support for projects in the field of children’s literature;
  • identification of talented authors through a competition and creation of conditions for their creative work by paying a monthly remuneration of 50 BCV for a period of up to one year;
  • covering 50% of preparation and publication costs, as well as 80% of copyright costs when translating the best works of foreign literature into Uzbek and national literature into foreign languages;
  • quarterly payment of remuneration to members of the Board of Trustees in the amount of up to 50 BCV.

According to the resolution, starting from February 1, 2026:

  • to promote reading culture among the population, especially young people, the Program “Book — a source of enlightenment” will be implemented;
  • advertising of state bodies on books and reading culture is recognized as social information (advertising);
  • on transport infrastructure facilities and vehicles (buses, subways, aircraft, trains), the possibility of using the Mutolaa platform via wireless or mobile internet is being created, and QR codes are being installed for convenience.

“In the Footsteps of the Jadids” book reading clubs are being created in general education institutions:

  • debates are held among club members dedicated to the analysis of the content of books;
  • in schools, the reading of at least 20 books per year by club members is organized;
  • quarterly, the most active members of book reading clubs in the context of districts (cities) are encouraged at the expense of the Ministry of Preschool Education.

As a reminder, a presentation of the book “New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” was held at the UN headquarters. At the event, the main focus was on the key areas and stages of the country’s development.