Subscription 2008

Saodat Karimova, representative of the Ainy district post office told NANSMIT correspondent that by 7 December 2007 the number of subscribers to local newspapers was 3,262.

According to a preliminary opinion poll conducted in the area, the most popular among the available printing outlets is the newspaper “Omuzgor” published by the Ministry of Education. It will have 391 subscribers in 2008. “Minbari Khalk”, the People-Democratic Party’s official printing body has the second position – 250 subscribers. The government weekly “Jumkhuriyat” has 229 readers. The parliamentary newspaper “Sadoi Mardum” has 181 subscribers. And the newspaper belonging to the local administration of Ainy district has 323 subscribers.

“Zarafshon Times” news agency informed NANSMIT that some subscribers complained about an “involuntarily subscription” planned by the local authorities – i.e. citizens were approached by officials who came up with a list of newspapers demanding subscription from the residents.

Mr. O. Khalil, a teacher of a local school says that his monthly salary is only 120 Somoni (about $35). “I don’t know what newspaper I’ve been subscribed to, — he says. — However, they have deducted 45 Somoni for subscription from my September salary”.

Nevertheless, officials from the Ainy district post office say that some people voluntarily subscribe to Tajik periodicals.

Inter Press Service