Gov't sets aside RM160m for new JPA scholarships

PARLIAMENT The government has increased its allocation for the Public Service Departmen's (JPA) scholarship programmes in the 2016 budget review exercise announced on Jan 28.

"The government has approved an increase of RM160 million to fund the issuance of new scholarships for 2016 in order to ensure that the continuity of education is not disrupted," said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said in a written reply.

She said this was after the government took note of concerns that the department may not be able to issue new scholarships with its existing funding.

"...in line with the government's austerity move, the amount of allocations approved for 2016 is RM1.65 billion. However, the RM1.65 billion is only enough to pay the upkeep for existing scholars," she said.

Azalina was responding to a written question from DAP's Seremban MP Anthony Loke who wanted to know in detail the amount of allocations reduced for each individual JPA educational assistance programmes.

The matter of JPA scholarships came into the spotlight recently after it was revealed that several JPA educational assistance programmes have supposedly been halted, stranding several top students who have managed to get placements in universities both locally and overseas.

The government came under fire for allegedly forgoing the all-important purpose of ensuring good education for top students.

However, the government in its denial said it is doing all it can to continue providing educational financial aid amid a challenging economic situation.

-Mkini