Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev at the Government session spoke about the results of monitoring of the practical impact of the transition to a single time zone on the health of the population.

He noted that following the discussion at the AMANAT faction of the Majilis, monitoring of the practical impact of the transition to a single time zone on the health of the population, energy consumption and labour productivity was conducted with the involvement of the expert community, research institutes in the field of medicine, neuroscience, biophysics, genetics, astrophysics, physiology, deputies of maslikhats at all levels and stakeholders.

In the course of the work, a comprehensive approach was used, including data study, survey results and comparison of indicators before and after the transition to a single time zone. The research methodology covers more than 40 metrics and indicators to assess the impact of the introduction of a single time zone on public health, energy consumption, labour efficiency, student performance, traffic accidents, crime and other aspects.

"On health, different age groups and urban and rural populations have been covered. On energy consumption, electricity consumption statistics including peak loads and comparison of electricity consumption across the country were compared. For labour activity, the volume of work performed, cases of lateness and absenteeism, number of injuries and discipline violations were covered. The results show that there is no negative impact of the transition to a single time zone on the key indicators of life activity of the population," Arman Shakkaliyev explained.

The Minister of Trade and Integration also said that in the regions deputies of maslikhats supported the initiative to optimise working hours by adjusting working schedules. He noted that these measures are aimed at improving the balance between professional and personal life, as well as creating more comfortable conditions for citizens.

"To date, in a number of East Kazakhstan region districts (Katon-Karagai, Markakol, Ulken Naryn, Zaisan, Tarbagatai, Samara, Kurchum) the adjustment of working hours from 8:00 to 17:30 has been successfully carried out, which was positively assessed and supported by the residents. If necessary, this experience will be applied in other regions by local executive bodies," Arman Shakkaliyev emphasised.

It is noted that the results of monitoring in early March this year were submitted to the faction AMANAT of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

#Government session

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