Parliament holds next plenary session

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani Parliament convened its next plenary session on March 10 with agenda of eight issues.

The parliament discussed the bill "On preschool education" (second reading), as well as draft amendment to the laws "On state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan", "On border troops", "On information, informatization and information protection", "On telecommunications", "On licenses and permits", "On advertising" and "On labor pensions".  

The parliament approved bill "On preschool education", which permits orphanages, preparatory groups at schools, child development centers to act as founder of preschool education institution.

The parliament also approved the changes to the legislation “On labor pensions” that eliminates the concept of the basic part of the labor pension and the 12-year experience required for the appointment of a pension.

In accordance with the amendment, the retirement age for men was raised from 63 to 65 years, and women from 60 to 65. The process of increasing retirement age by six months a year will last by 2021 for men and by 2027 for women.

The same day, the parliamentarians approved changes to the law “On licenses and permit”. In accordance with the changes, Appendix 2 to the law (a list of activities requiring licenses in connection with cases arising from state security) is supplemented to Article 4-1 (mobile communication services (indicating the names of technological standards). The license required under this item is issued for a period of 10 years.

The parliament also heard proposals from MPs calling to restrict smoking cigarettes and tobacco products in public places.

It is proposed to specify places where smoking cigarettes is prohibited. In particular, these are educational institutions, sports venues and other mass events, shopping venues, restaurants, cafes, bars and other catering facilities, hotels, health facilities, rehabilitation centers, sanatoria, resorts, social facilities, theaters and cinemas, exhibitions, libraries, museums, underground, and buses.

The law aims to protect the environment and prevent diseases caused by tobacco. State authorities can prohibit tobacco smoking in certain sections, buildings and facilities, as well as change tax and price policies to reduce the demand for tobacco products, prohibit or restrict the sale and advertising of tobacco.