Opposition petition to have tuition fee free tertiary education defeated in parliament

The opposition petition to have tuition fee free education at the three universities and 14 technical colleges in the country has been defeated in parliament.

While tabling the petition, SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka said that it is necessary for the petition to be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee as the government can afford to have free fee tertiary education.

Gavoka said $110 million will be needed for this initiative, and this can be done by reducing the roads and water budget.

Finance Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said more students are going to universities after the introduction of the Tertiary Education Loans and Scholarship Scheme.

He said the roads and water budget cannot be reduced.

Sayed-Khaiyum also raised the question on who will pay for all the tax dollars used to just help students graduate and they then go to other countries.

Education Minister, Doctor Mahendra Reddy said this is just another drama being created by the opposition.

Opposition Leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa said free tertiary education is needed for the students.

The motion was defeated as 27 MPs voted against it and 15 MPs voted for the petition.