A draft law envisaging revocation of military conscription in spring 2003 was prepared in the State Duma. A group of deputies of the Duma - representatives of the Union of Right-Wing Forces (SPS) and Yabloko factions and the Russia's Regions group - propose introducing an amendment to Article 25 of the federal law "On Military Responsibility and Military Service" and completely abolishing spring conscription to the RF armed forces from January 1, 2003.

The authors of the draft law think that army conscription for all categories of the citizens should only occur autumn; "whereas such recruitment should start from September 1, and not October 1 as stipulated by the present federal law, to optimise the work of recruitment commissions."

The deputies think that in this way young people will have an opportunity to "continue their further education without hindrance after graduating from school and college". The authors of the draft law are sure that it will be especially urgent in view of the expected transfer of complete secondary education to a 12-year period, "when many citizens will finish secondary education at the age of 18."

Another goal of this legislative initiative, according to the developers of the draft law, is to optimise the work of recruitment commissions, as conducting recruitment only in autumn will make it possible to reduce budget expenditures at all levels.

Based on Interfax reports.

See also:

The Russian Army

Yabloko and SPS