Kyrgyz Lawmaker Questions Official Salary Statistics, Cites 'Painted' Data

A stark disconnect between official economic pronouncements and the lived realities of Kyrgyz citizens was highlighted in the Jogorku Kenesh, as Deputy Dastan Bekeshev voiced strong doubts about the National Statistical Committee's (Natskom) reported figures on average salary increases. Bekeshev characterized the data as "painted" and "favorable for the budget" but "far from reality," suggesting a systemic issue rather than isolated errors.

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You are painting statistics: a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh doubted the data of the Natskom.

The deputy's skepticism stems from what he perceives as implausible growth rates, particularly in Bishkek, where a reported annual increase of 7,000 soms was deemed "unrealistic." His critique intensified upon learning that the very Natskom interviewers tasked with collecting this data earn a meager 12,000 soms per month – a fraction of the 48,000 soms average salary they are purportedly documenting. Bekeshev argued that such low compensation would inevitably compromise the integrity of their work, leading to unreliable data collection.

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I am confident that wages cannot grow everywhere and all the time. I don't believe that organizations are capable of increasing payments every month or every year at the rates that statistics record.

Bekeshev emphasized that his criticism is not aimed at individuals within Natskom but at the entire statistical system. He called for improvements in survey methodologies and a significant increase in the wages of statistical employees, asserting that fair compensation is crucial for ensuring diligent and accurate data gathering. The deputy believes that the current methods produce "subjective" results, and a "frank" portrayal of the country's economic situation would reveal a "quite bleak" picture.

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It is extremely unacceptable for people who record the average salary of 48 thousand to receive four times less themselves.

This challenge to official statistics is particularly significant in Kyrgyzstan, where public trust in institutions can be fragile. When a parliamentarian openly questions the data underpinning economic policy and public discourse, it raises important questions about transparency and accountability. The discrepancy highlighted by Bekeshev suggests that the narrative of economic progress presented by official figures may not align with the everyday experiences of ordinary Kyrgyz citizens, who are likely bearing the brunt of economic challenges.

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The current indicators are rather subjective and 'drawn', and the real picture of life in the country, if shown without embellishment, will look completely different and quite bleak.