Shorter workday for parents: government to review the initiative

Tengrinews.kz – Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin was asked whether Kazakhstan might shorten the working day for parents, after such a proposal was put forward earlier in the Mazhilis.

“Just recently, Mazhilis deputy Karakat Abden proposed reducing the working day for parents. How do you feel about this initiative? In your opinion, how reasonable is it for the economy?” journalists asked in the Senate corridors.

Serik Zhumangarin replied that he had “missed this initiative” and that it needs to be understood and studied in more detail.

“In global practice, there are cases where if someone stays at home, does housework, especially takes care of children, this is also productive labor. And this cannot be dismissed. Everything is measurable — in economics, everything is counted. Therefore, this initiative needs a deeper evaluation,” the Vice Prime Minister said.

He added that the government is obliged to consider any initiatives from deputies if they submit them officially.

Recall that Mazhilis deputy Karakat Abden proposed shortening the working day by one hour for parents raising small children. According to the deputy, she had already raised this issue at the government level, but no decision has been made yet.

Her colleague, deputy Azhar Sagandyqova, also proposed shortening the workweek for women who care for children and relatives.