Tajikistan determines the minimum subsistence level and consumer basket price

Case study and data analysis. Photo credited from Research Institute under MoLMEP
The main objectives of the assessment are to determine the list of the consumer basket for all social groups of population in the country; to identify the composition and structure of the consumer basket, taking into account new types of services provided to population; to analyze the dynamics of incomes and its influence on the level of social development in general; to identify the problems hindering the growth of incomes and social equality of the population of the country; to identify the number of populations in the country by the level of income, its correspondence to the consumer basket and social status in society; to reconsider the composition and structure of the consumer basket; to develop scenario to increase the level of income and ensure social protection in the country.


Focus group discussion. Photo credited by the Research Institute under MoLMEP
Data collection has been carried out by several groups of specialists from the Research Institute in the whole country through questionnaires, key informant interview, computer assisted telephone interview, case study, desk review, focus group discussion and the analysis. The data collection exercise is carried out by professional analysts of the Research Institute under MoLMEP and national experts trained by international consultants provided by the ILO.

Mahmadullozoda Nurullo, Deputy Minister of Labour, Migration and Employment stressed the importance of the assessment: “According to the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the subsistence minimum”, the consumer basket is the main basis for determining minimum wage, wage rate, pensions and social benefits of population in the country and etc. Therefore, based on the size of the consumer basket, the state should focus on indexing the income of population in cases of inflation. In addition, the cost of the consumer basket plays an important role in development of social policies, socio-economic forecasts, and development of short-term and medium-term strategies. `The assessment can determine the population's expenses for health services and nutrition as part of calculation of the human development index in the country”.

A comprehensive analytical report of this study will be submitted to the ILO for review and to the government for approval.