Head of State Alexander Lukashenko, at a meeting with scientists and participants of Belarusian Antarctic expeditions, supported the proposal to define the status of a polar explorer in Belarus, BELTA correspondent reports.
The relevant issue was raised at the meeting by Alexey Gaidashov, Deputy Head of the Republican Centre for Polar Research and Head of all Belarusian Antarctic Expeditions. He proposed to define such a status at the regulatory level, as currently polar explorers are essentially seasonal workers.
"We need to decide on the status and make proposals," the Belarusian leader instructed.
One of the main issues here is the preservation of work record, as polar explorers are forced to resign from their main jobs for the duration of expeditions and look for new positions upon their return. "These are isolated individuals. So, look into it. Medical care and so on," the Head of State agreed.
Another request from Alexey Gaidashov concerned certain adjustments to the procurement legislation regarding the needs of polar explorers. Sometimes this procedure can be quite complex, and it is necessary to purchase something specific with no alternatives. "Our main task is safety. We operate in autonomous mode for a long time," he noted.
Alexander Lukashenko proposed that the head of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus should make such procurement decisions on a case-by-case basis for Antarctic expeditions. "I think this would be an ideal option for polar explorers," Alexey Gaidashov agreed.