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Sir Julius angered by school funds delay
By
Reporter
The delay in the release of funds to all New Ireland schools under the province's free and subsidized education scheme has been placed squarely on the division of education. Frustrated by the slow processing of these payments, Governor Sir Julius Chan said his directions were precisely clear to these institutions to have the payments processed and paid out by January 15, well before schools opened for classes. Sir Julius said reports reaching his office in Kavieng indicate that many schools are still without their first quarter funds and this, he says, is totally unacceptable. He said his government had done its part and it is now up to the administration to deliver on the policies of the government and they must accept blame for the delays and frustrations experienced by all the parents and students. "Complaints are coming and I am hurt because we have the money sitting for a whole month." The New Ireland Provincial Government is providing free education for almost 41,000 children in 2009 across the province from elementary right up to grade 8, and 75 per subsidies for higher grades. Those attending tertiary institutions are provided a flat rate of K1,200 per student. Last Wednesday saw a big shake up in the top echelon of the administration with a new administrator, a deputy administrator and four chief executives to head sectors. According to the provincial government media unit, this is a new concept and realignment making all divisions and sectors more accountable. It is also performance-based. Public servants who perform will be rewarded and those slack and lagging will be removed and weeded out. |
NEWS
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