The Agrarian Issues Committee has reviewed and endorsed at first reading the draft law on Amendments to the Law of Georgia on the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia.

The draft legislation, submitted as a legislative initiative by the Parliament’s Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee, was presented to the committee at the level of general principles by Givi Mikanadze, Chair of the Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee.

The aim of the proposed amendments is to increase the statutorily defined remuneration for members and stipend recipients of the National Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Georgia. Additionally, the bill would grant the Academy of Agricultural Sciences the right to elect corresponding members as stipulated by law.

“It is crucial that we provide appropriate support and conditions for our scientific community. The minimum statutory remuneration has not been revised for quite some time. Furthermore, there is currently a discrepancy between the minimum remuneration defined for academicians of the National Academy and that of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences. We have decided not only to increase the minimum but to equalise it", - Givi Mikanadze noted.

According to the presenter, the initiative proposes that the minimum remuneration for academicians of both the National Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Agricultural Sciences be set at 2,000 GEL, while the stipend for corresponding members and stipend recipients of both academies be raised from the current 1,000 and 900 GEL, respectively, to 1,250 GEL.

Givi Mikanadze also noted that following consultations, it was agreed that the Academy of Agricultural Sciences should be granted the statutory right to elect corresponding members according to the established quotas.

Gela Samkharadze, Chair of the Agrarian Issues Committee, underlined that, considering the country's high economic growth in recent years, it is important to adjust the statutory minimum remuneration for academicians, corresponding members, and stipend recipients.

“This is an important initiative—our distinguished scientists must receive greater recognition, and this should serve as an example for the younger generation who will follow in their footsteps. It is also essential to consider that in recent years, the public sector has seen significant salary increases. Over the past four years, civil servant wages have risen by 46% in total, and salaries in legal entities under public law (LEPLs) have also increased. Therefore, the academic sector—those individuals who have dedicated years to serving our country and advancing science—should not be left outside the scope of a unified wage policy. Without their contribution, economic progress would not be possible", - Gela Samkharadze stated.

The proposed law is scheduled to enter into force on 1 September 2025.