Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved the Concept for the Development of Local Representative Bodies of Power until 2030, significantly expanding the powers of district and city Kengashes (local councils of people’s deputies).

The primary objective of the Concept is to strengthen the role of local representative bodies in managing public and socio-economic affairs, enhance their responsibility for regional development, and ensure genuine decentralization and a balanced distribution of authority across all levels of government.

Under the new Concept, Kengashes will gain the authority to set minimum rental rates for the use of state-owned real estate, independently regulate speed limits on specific road sections, and approve tariffs for funeral services.

The reforms also introduce the possibility of reserving a quota of jobs for socially vulnerable groups—citizens facing difficulties entering the workforce or unable to compete on equal footing in the labor market.

Changes will affect the formation of local budgets, as Kengash deputies will be empowered to initiate and allocate funding for specific expenditure areas. To boost financial autonomy, an independent accounting system will be introduced in regional Kengashes, separate from local executive authorities (hokimiyats), enabling more efficient operation of secretariats.

Candidates for deputy hokim positions will now undergo review and preliminary discussion by Kengash standing committees. Nominees must present their action plans and vision for developing the sector under their responsibility to the deputies.

A strong emphasis is placed on digital transformation. The Ministry of Digital Technologies has been tasked with modernizing the “E-Kengash” platform, ensuring secure document storage using blockchain technology. Additionally, to enhance transparency and accountability, a facial recognition system (Face ID) will be implemented for Kengash chairpersons to confirm decisions.

Notably, the preparation of draft resolutions will increasingly rely on artificial intelligence technologies, aimed at speeding up decision-making processes and improving the quality of governance at the local level.

This newly adopted Concept marks a turning point in Uzbekistan’s decentralization reforms, reinforcing Kengashes as a genuine representative institution capable of directly influencing territorial development and safeguarding the interests of local populations.