Saturday 23rd January 2021
The arbitrary and unfair suspension and termination of scholarships of students under the pretext of failing to achieve an average GPA of 3.9 should never have happened in the first place, said National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad.
Professor Prasad said while highlighting the plight of students and their parents a week ago, NFP had called on both the Attorney General and Education Minister to intervene and put an end to the dictatorial decisions being made by Tertiary Education Loans and Scholarship Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“The Chairman and CEO were ruining the lives and future of hardworking students. This should not have happened in the first place”.
“We wonder why it took the AG a week to intervene”.
“But now that the AG has made it clear that Government was never consulted by TELS Board Chair and CEO before they embarked on sacrificing the future of students, both should be taken to task for causing uncertainty to students and parents.”
“At the same time, review of the decision is not good enough. It should be rescinded immediately because it is not Government policy as the AG says”.
“While this may bring relief to current students, there is no word on the suspension of both Toppers Scholarship and Loans Scheme for students enrolling this year and beyond, particularly for MBBS and Oral Health programs”.
“This suspension must be immediately lifted with enrolment to begin soon”.
“We also want the AG to confirm that scholarships and loans scheme for all other programs will be maintained for both current students and those enrolling this year”.
“It is time that government comes clean on this issue instead of remaining silent and allowing the TELS Board Chair and CEO to cause uncertainty amongst parents and students with their drastic policy change announcements”.
“Both the Minister for Economy and the Education Minister must immediately intervene and put a stop to all changes as announced by Rakesh Ram and Bobby Maharaj, in conformity to its belief of leaving no one behind”.
“No one must be allowed to financially burden parents and destroy the chosen career paths of students”.
Authorised by:
Professor Biman Prasad
Leader
Comments