Finance Minister Explains Cutting University Stipends

Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk told an Ekonomichna Pravda reporter why he wanted to scrap payment of student stipends.

"We suggest changing the stipend policy. Ukraine is unique compared to other European countries. Almost every Ukrainian student receives a stipend," he noted.

However, it would be more efficient to have two kinds of stipends, he told. "First is the stipends to low-income students, for instance, disabled students. By the way, they should be paid by the Ministry of Social Policy. Second is academic stipends paid to students who are most deserving," the Minister explained. "Otherwise, it is ‘spreading money thin’," he stressed.

"There are people who need money the most – like pensioners or the disabled. Considering that our resources are scarce, budget allocation should be as cost effective and targeted as possible," Danyliuk highlighted.

The Finance Ministry was reported earlier as wishing to scrap university stipends starting January 1 next year.

Source: Ekonomichna Pravda