Head of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Social Policy, Education, Culture and Science L.Enkh-Amgalan pointed out that over 90 percent of state-owned enterprises are facing deficits, but their directors are getting paid high salaries, driving expensive vehicles, and renting expensive offices. He said the state cannot afford to function this way, and that there should be a greater focus on reforming the leadership and management of stateowned companies.

Vice-Speaker of Parliament Ts.Nyamdorj said that some state-owned companies are operating by taking out loans from other companies and the state. He asked what the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, and the Government Agency for Policy Coordination on State Property are doing to address the deficits facing these state-owned enterprises.

Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat stated that there should be an emphasis on improving management and addressing the deficits of Erdenes Mongol Company.

MP B.Undarmaa asked the Minister of Energy what measures are being taken to provide ger district residents with permanent electricity in the framework of ger-district re-planning projects.

Minister of Energy P.Gankhuu noted that more than 1,600 households are connected to the central electricity network, and that the ministry has announced tender bids for a project that would provide 6,000 households with permanent electricity this year.

Member of Parliament B.Saranchimeg asked Minister of Nature, Environment, and Tourism
D.Oyunkhorol what kind of projects her ministry is implementing to deal with environmental challenges and to stop desertification.

Minister D.Oyunkhorol said that the ministry is working to collaborate with international organizations to implement projects and programs to combat desertification and adapt to climate change. The ministry is working on receiving funding from international organizations fighting climate change and green loan funds to implement programs addressing environmental issues.

Deputy Minister of Health L.Byambasuren pointed out that the average monthly salary for a doctor at public hospitals is 640,000 MNT, and the average monthly salary for a nurse is 560,000 MNT. She noted that these salaries are very low considering their workload, so the ministry is working to increase the salaries of the doctors, nurses, and staff of public hospital as part of the basic guidelines for 2018’s socio-economic development.