Education gets K1.85 billion

THE education budget for next year has been increased by K483.5 million to K1.8446 billion.
Tuition fee-free education will receive K682 million in 2013, an increase of K30 million to include the extension of the subsidy to Grades 11 and 12.
A further K11 million is to fund the national school exams.
Funding of K10.5 million in Division 207 in the key medium term development plan (MTDP) enabler of education is included for independence scholarships (K70 million) and outstanding utility bills to the University of Papua New Guinea (K3.5 million).
Provinces will receive K797.9 million for education – an increase of K92.6 million.
This includes K721.3 million for personnel emoluments.  A total of 3,132 new teachers will be recruited to work in provincial schools.
In addition, the basic education function grant to provinces is K76.6 million under goods and services, an increase of K17.1 million or 28.8%.
In 2013, the government will provide additional funding of K2.5 million or 2.1% to universities increasing total funding to K120.7 million.
The Office of Higher Education will receive K51.6 million, an increase of K2.4 million from last year or 4.8%.
This includes K6.5 million for the national scholarship scheme which sponsors more than 10,200 students with K600 each per year. In addition, K38.2 million is for the existing tertiary education scholarship and assistance scheme.