The authorities in Tashkent have officially enacted legislation significantly increasing administrative fines for public begging on streets, in transport, and across various public spaces. These changes amend Article 188-3 of the Administrative Responsibility Code, following a formal signing by the country's leadership. The measures are purportedly aimed at maintaining social order, although regional observers question whether purely punitive actions can address the root causes of the issue.

Under the updated legal framework, individuals engaging in direct begging now face fines ranging from 3 to 5 base calculation units (BCUs) or administrative detention for up to 15 days. Previously, the penalties were restricted to 1-3 BCUs or the same 15-day detention period. The revised regulations allegedly seek to deter such behavior, though critics argue that increased financial pressure fails to address underlying economic hardships.

Furthermore, the regulations establish harsher punishments for individuals who involve minors, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, or those with mental health conditions in begging activities. The fines for such offenses have been raised to between 10 and 15 BCUs, alongside the potential for a 15-day administrative arrest. The penalties escalate further if victims are reportedly forced to consume alcohol or consciousness-altering substances to facilitate the practice.

Administrative and criminal liability for begging was originally introduced in Uzbekistan in early 2019. Despite ongoing legislative tightening, social policy experts have previously pointed out that administrative crackdowns alone remain insufficient. Independent commentators, such as social issues researcher Dilmurod Yusupov, have emphasized that resolving the phenomenon requires expanding social services, establishing systemic social welfare mechanisms, and supporting comprehensive academic research in the sector.

Source: www.gazeta.uz