1 / 8

It is proposed to establish a certification system for correctional officers, based on the results of which the correctional officer will be given an additional payment. On September 4, the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs debated the legislative package on Making Amendments and Addenda to the Law on Penitentiary Service and on Making Addenda to the Law on Remuneration for Persons Holding State Positions and State Service Positions in the first reading.

According to the RA Deputy Minister of Justice Levon Balyan, within the framework of the process, it is planned to establish a certification procedure by the decision of the RA Government, according to which the system of certification of correctional officers will be introduced, the amounts of corresponding surcharges, the payment and calculation procedures, the conditions for stopping the calculated surcharges will be defined. As of the date of entry into force of the regulations provided for by the law, persons holding relevant positions in the penitentiary service will be required to undergo certification within three years. At the same time, the possibility of calculating and paying the surcharge will be available only in the case of recording positive results of the certification by the correctional officer. The correctional officer who has not acquired the right to receive an additional payment or to continue the calculation of an additional payment as a result of certification may apply for re-certification no more than twice a year, and in case of obtaining the right to receive an additional payment as a result of which, the additional payment is calculated from the date of acquisition of this right.

Failure to obtain the right to receive a surcharge or to continue the calculation of the premium within three years (after the law comes into effect) based on the results of the certification is fixed as a basis for dismissal from service.

The Committee member Gegham Nazaryan inquired about the amount of salaries in the sector, in response to which Levon Balyan said that the average salary in the system is 220-230 thousand AMD.

The Committee endorsed the legislative package.