Lessons 23 · 1 lessons · G. M. Tansikbayeva, V. A. Kostetskiy. Konstitutsiyaviy huquq asoslari (Basics of constitutional law), Grade 9, general editor A. X. Saidov, revised and expanded 8th edition. “Sharq” publishing house, Tashkent, 2019
23
Citizens’ self-government bodies
Textbook: pp. 134–137
GoalExplain the legal status and tasks of citizens’ self-government bodies – the mahalla (citizens’ assembly).
New words
self-government · o‘zini o‘zi boshqarishmahalla (citizens’ assembly) · mahalla (fuqarolar yig‘ini)chairperson (elder) · rais (oqsoqol)commission · komissiya
Explanation
Citizens’ self-government is the residents’ own settling of questions of local importance on the basis of their interests and customs; this right is guaranteed by the Constitution and the law “On citizens’ self-government bodies”. In townships, villages, auls and the mahallas of cities the self-government body is the citizens’ assembly; citizens aged 18 or over who permanently live in the area take part, and elect the chairperson (elder, oqsoqol) and advisers for the term set by law. These bodies are not part of the system of state authorities, but they exercise the powers given by law in their territory and have the rights of a legal person. Commissions on main areas of work are formed at the citizens’ assembly, for example conciliation, social support, work with women, youth and sport, ecology and improvement commissions. The mahalla deals with matters such as help for those in need, reconciling disputes, improving the area and supporting families.
Worked examples
If a mahalla assembly decides to raise funds to help a lonely elderly neighbour, this is the social-support direction of self-government.
If a dispute between two neighbours is considered in the conciliation commission and an agreement is reached, the matter does not reach court – the mahalla settles the dispute peacefully.
Class activity
“Mahalla assembly”: the class holds an assembly – agenda (improving a park), discussion, vote; a secretary writes the minutes.
Practice
1
What is a citizens’ self-government body?
A citizens’ assembly at mahalla or village level; the body through which residents settle local matters themselves.
2
Who takes part in the citizens’ assembly and whom do they elect?
Citizens aged 18 and over living permanently in the area; they elect the chairperson (elder) and advisers.
3
Name three mahalla commissions.
For example: conciliation, social support, work with women, youth and sport, ecology and improvement commissions.
4
Why are self-government bodies not part of the state authorities yet cooperate with the state?
Because they are the residents’ own initiative; yet they help the state implement laws to improve people’s lives.