The Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee considered, at first reading and under an expedited procedure, amendments to the Law of Georgia "On General Education".

The reporter, Deputy Education, Science and Youth Minister, Zviad Gabisonia, presented the main changes envisaged by the draft law.

According to the amendments, full general education shall comprise no fewer than 11 and no more than 12 years, structured as follows: primary education (6 years – Grades I–VI), basic education (3 years – Grades VII–IX), and secondary education (2 years – Grades X and XI, with an optional additional year – Grade XII).

At the same time, the starting age for primary general education shall be 6 years, provided that the individual reaches this age by 15 September inclusive.

The procedure for granting approval (stamp) to textbooks shall be abolished, as the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth will develop school textbooks for general educational institutions, ensure their printing, and supply them to relevant schools for free, temporary use by students.

The Ministry will approve the general conditions for the use of electronic communication devices (including mobile phones) by students in public schools. At the primary level of general education, wearing a school uniform shall become mandatory for students; the design of the uniform shall also be approved by the Ministry.

Under the amendments, in cases where an employment contract is terminated due to violence committed against a student, the teacher or other employee of a general educational institution shall be restricted, for a period of three years, from employment in a general educational institution.

The Committee approved the Draft.