Authorities in Tashkent are moving forward with extensive plans to address severe shortages in the city's educational infrastructure. Reports indicate that by 2030, the capital aims to create 126,000 new school student seats and 40,000 kindergarten spots. These sweeping targets were outlined during a presentation on neighborhood development reviewed by state leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Statistical figures reveal that for the 2025–2026 academic year, the shortage of school places in Tashkent reached 141,000. Projections suggest that the student population will expand by another 71,000, or 14 percent, over the next five years. Consequently, the deficit of school seats is expected to surge to 212,000 by the start of the 2030–2031 academic year if no decisive action is taken.
To mitigate this looming crisis, authorities plan to finance 48,000 new places from the national budget and 78,000 from local budgets through 2030. Delivering a total of 126,000 new seats is projected to lower the average school overcrowding coefficient from the current 1.4 down to 1.2 by the end of the decade. Furthermore, designs for 24 new schools providing 38,000 seats across 64,600 square meters have already been finalized for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The updated standard school designs incorporate 17 new features aimed at maximizing functionality and student well-being. Additions include expanded learning spaces, modern libraries, multipurpose halls for sports and cultural events, and dedicated teacher lounges. Inclusive learning infrastructure, such as elevators, ramps, and medical rooms, is also integrated, alongside motion sensors and energy-saving utilities designed to slash electricity and water consumption.
Pre-school education is facing parallel pressures, with a current shortage of 65,000 kindergarten spots despite a 79.2 percent enrollment rate among children aged 3 to 7. Plans dictate the creation of 40,000 additional kindergarten places using state and local funds by 2030, which officials claim will elevate overall preschool enrollment to 92 percent.
Source: www.gazeta.uz