The law on Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Publishing, discussed by senators at the tenth plenary session of the Senate, is a logical continuation of these reforms.
Over the past 4 years, the number of publishing houses in the country has increased 3.5 times and reached 590, of which 90% (531) are private publishers.
Today, the production capacities of publishing houses have increased by 2 times. An average of 40 million copies of 11 thousand titles of literature are published annually.
Direct investments in the amount of $25 million have been invested in order to develop the industry. Also, starting from January 1, 2025, publishing companies are exempt from paying income tax for a period of 5 years.
At the same time, new public relations in the sphere, as well as the results of the conducted studies, indicate the need to improve some of the norms of the Law "On Publishing Activities".
It turned out that the books published recently reflect information that does not correspond to the age characteristics of children and negatively affects their consciousness, and some do not meet the requirements of current state standards, historical facts are given incorrectly, inaccurate and scientifically unproven data are presented.
The law provides for amendments to the Law "On Publishing Activities" aimed at consolidating the legal status of the editor-in-chief of the publishing house and encouraging the culture of reading.
The Law establishes that the editor-in-chief directs the creative activities of the publishing house's editorial office, is responsible for developing the publishing house's thematic plans and preparing publications in accordance with the requirements of legislation, technical regulations (national standards) in the field of publishing.
From now on, a person with a university degree and at least three years of experience in publishing is appointed to the position of editor-in-chief. The editor-in-chief is appointed and dismissed by the founder(s) or the head of the organization. In addition, the rules stipulate that the decision on the publication of publications of the publishing house is made by the editor-in-chief, he is responsible for the creative activities of the publishing house.
The Law also defines the promotion of reading as the principle of popularizing and enhancing the culture of reading.
According to the senators, this Law promotes the publication of books based on national standards, prevents the dissemination of information in books that contradict legislation and public morality, as well as enhances the culture of reading in society and the social responsibility of publishers.
The law was approved by the senators.
