Bonuses Received by Around 100 Employees of the Governor's Office: Kotayk Governor

Kotayk Governor Romanos Petrosyan stated that around 100 employees of the governor's office have received bonuses. This follows a comprehensive speech given by the Prime Minister on the topic of salaries, which was clarified by the Prime Minister's spokesperson regarding increases for ministers, deputy ministers, and governors. Petrosyan mentioned, “I have nothing more to add on that matter. Since it has circulated as a confidential document, I do not have the authority to comment on any confidential documents.” He also noted that they declare their income, which is transparently available online.

In response to a reporter's observation about discontent among government employees who feel that only a select few receive bonuses, Petrosyan stated, “I completely deny that on my part. All employees of the governor's office have received bonuses, and at this moment, we have around 100 employees. Almost 90 percent of the employees in regional institutions under state jurisdiction received bonuses at the end of last year, including general education schools and healthcare facilities operating under the governor's office. Only a small portion of the institutions and healthcare facilities did not receive bonuses due to financial shortfalls and the year closing with a loss. I wouldn’t exaggerate if I said that this concerns 3,200 people who received bonuses,” Petrosyan emphasized, adding that this is also part of a policy aimed at alleviating social conditions.

When asked if the increase in salary has improved his work efficiency, the governor responded, “Currently, around 10 kindergartens are being constructed and renovated in the Kotayk region. In three major communities, a kindergarten is being built from scratch. The construction phase has also begun for two new modular school buildings, and within the framework of reducing seismic risk, two large schools in Abovyan and Hrazdan will completely be demolished and rebuilt. Additionally, around six cultural centers are being built through subsidized programs. In Yeghvard, more than 25,000 sqm of area has been paved and improved in courtyard spaces. In Charentsavan, 80-90 percent of the courtyard areas are being asphalted.”

When asked if he is currently satisfied with his salary, Romanos Petrosyan replied, “To be honest, the position of governor is not a job for me. It is public service. I consider my work a duty to our state and nation. I do not measure my work efficiency by my salary.”