‘Govt’s austerity measures won’t see cut in number of scholarships’ – No discrimination in assigning academic load to teachers: Essa

This news has been read 6505 times!

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27, (Agencies): Minister of Education and Higher Education Bader Al-Essa has affirmed that the number of scholarships granted to Kuwaitis studying abroad will not be affected by the austerity measures which the government intends to take soon in line with the directive of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, reports Al- Jarida daily.

In a press statement, the minister clarified there is no plan to reduce the number of scholarships until the completion of Sabah Al- Salem University project, which is expected to be finalized after four years. He hinted the number of scholarships will then be reduced by half or more depending on the manpower need, energy capacity and courses in public universities. On the other hand, the minister asserted there is no discrimination in assigning the academic load for the summer term to teachers at Kuwait University (KU) and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). He added there is no overtime during the summer term, unlike the first and second semesters. Meanwhile, the Cabinet in its recently-concluded meeting approved a decree on the appointment of Dr Mohamed Abdullatif Al-Fares as secretary-general of KU with the same rank as the ministry undersecretary.

Meanwhile, Al-Essa said that the ministry is still discussing the fee raise for private schools. The ministry has formed a specialized committee to discuss the matter three months ago, said Al-Bader during the National Assembly’s session on Wedesday. He added that the ministry has also terminated license of schools that raised fees without consulting with the ministry first. In the same context, the Assembly approved referring the fees issue to the parliamentary committee on education, cultural affairs, and guidance.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will soon issue an administrative decision to regulate seasonal and clearance sales promotions according to Article 32 (repeated) of the Consumer Protection Law, which allows such promotions at certain periods, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources disclosed that a sales promotion permit is valid for two weeks maximum and the promotion is usually done during weekends – maximum of two days a week.

This news has been read 6505 times!