"Forced imposition of religious views in the education system is not allowed" - a concept of state policy in the religious sphere has been developed.

At the initiative of a group of deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the "Concept of State Policy in the Field of Ensuring Freedom of Conscience and Religious Activity of Citizens" was developed. The draft law, consisting of 41 points, defines 10 main tasks, 6 principles, and 3 priority areas of state policy in the religious sphere.

Chapter 6, paragraph 2 of the Concept is devoted to the direction of education, which contains issues of secularism in this direction.

Secularism in the field of education is the formation of scientific knowledge, logical thinking skills, national and universal values, respect for the diversity of views, and reliance on the ideas of contributing to the interests of society in the process of education, its organization, and the provision of educational services.

According to the Concept, the main mechanisms for ensuring secularism in the field of education are defined as:

• implementation of consistent and systematic measures to ensure the secular nature of the education system;

• ensuring the right of citizens to secular and religious education in the manner prescribed by law;

• taking measures to prevent, on any grounds, restrictions on compulsory education established by law;

• raising the scientific and intellectual potential of the country's population, especially young people, strengthening their sense of patriotism, respect for national values and social norms of morality;

• maintaining religious neutrality in the education system and ensuring an environment that does not allow the forced imposition of religious views;

• ensuring the inclusiveness of educational programs in the education system;

• formation of knowledge and skills in students, including the exact and humanities and social sciences, art, providing them with wide opportunities;

• creation of a research and learning environment for students that develops critical and analytical thinking skills, forms the skills of data analysis, verification of scientific hypotheses, and evaluation of evidence;

• ensuring the introduction of such values as humanism and justice, friendship and solidarity, respect for national and universal ideas, the formation of skills for finding optimal solutions to moral issues;

• Providing objective knowledge about the history, stages of development, and modern trends of various religious beliefs and doctrines;

• ensuring an atmosphere of respect, tolerance, and understanding towards different religions, cultures, and worldviews;

• development and strengthening of the ability to educate, instill morality and aesthetics while maintaining religious tolerance in the training and selection of pedagogical personnel.

For information: The draft Concept for Ensuring Citizens' Freedom of Conscience and State Policy in the Religious Sphere can be found on the website of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.