In Uzbekistan, clients of private educational centers have received over one billion sums back due to poor-quality training.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – According to AN Podrobno.uz, the Competition Committee has assisted consumers in reclaiming 1.2 billion sums due to substandard services provided by private educational centers in the country, reports a correspondent from Podrobno.uz.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/economic/v-uzbekistane-klientam-chastnykh-obrazovatelnykh-tsentrov-vernuli-bolee-milliarda-sumov-za-nekachest/2024-12-19 08:12:40

The Press Service of the Committee for Competition and Consumer Rights reported that in 2024, staff received over 500 complaints from clients of educational centers. It was noted that most of these educational organizations are located in Tashkent. The highest number of complaints was received regarding the operations of Newton Academy KZ, Merit School, MyTeacher Group, and My Med Academy.

In their complaints, citizens expressed concerns about the unsatisfactory quality of education, insufficient qualifications of instructors, inadequate learning conditions, and violations of the academic schedule. Furthermore, there were reports of a lack of service agreements, breaches of discipline in the educational process, and other issues.

Officials also highlighted exaggerated phrases used by educational centers in their advertising to attract clients: "limited spots available," "learn the language in 3 months," "guaranteed education," and others. Such misleading advertising, which can harm consumers, is prohibited under the Law on Advertising.

The Committee reviewed all complaints and ensured a recalculation amounting to over 1.2 billion sums in favor of consumers. Additionally, more than 50 documents were sent to competent authorities to take action against violations of licensing requirements, tax legislation, and the lack of training conditions in accordance with sanitary standards.

Documents regarding the Newton Academy KZ case, due to the high number of complaints, were forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. After an inspection, the Ministry imposed a fine on the administration of Newton Academy KZ for providing educational services without a license and hiring teachers without valid certificates.

It is worth noting that earlier, the Committee for the Development of Competition and Consumer Rights mandated a beauty studio to refund a client for unsatisfactory cosmetology services.