Government has allocated $60 million in the 2021-2022 National Budget to cater for more than 220,000 primary and secondary students under the free education initiative.
“We have made many tough calls in this budget but the choice to maintain free education was not a choice at all,” said Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“It was a non-negotiable necessity and we will continue to ensure that every child receives primary and secondary education fully paid for by the Government.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the funding was within a total allocation of $703.1 million to the education sector.
“This includes $442.9 million dollars to the Ministry of Education which actually is the largest ministry with about 12,000 teachers, $71.4 million in operation grants to higher education institutions, $159.6 million for TELS and NTS and $28 million for reconstruction of schools.
“We are also allocating $17 million for transportation assistance for more than 100,000 primary and secondary students from low-income households which, of course, include not just buses but also the mini buses and also in some places where we provide transportation through boats and punts.”
