Representative of the submitter, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Science Prof. Dr Radivoje Mitrovic said that the rebalance envisages an increase in funds of slightly more than 2 billion RSD, which will primarily be directed to the payment of employees’ severance pay and salaries. In addition, it will finance other regular activities relating to primary, secondary and higher education such as competitions, international cooperation, professional training for employees, investment maintenance.

In the ensuing debate the Committee members debated the problems relating to the financing of education since most of the budgetary funds are allocated for employee salaries. They also wanted to know about the criteria for the financing of doctoral studies. In addition, they discussed the problems in the operation of certain School Boards in the municipality of Presevo.

After the debate, the Education Committee members did not accept the Bill amending and modifying the Republic of Serbia 2011 Budget Law, Section 53 – Ministry of Education in principle on which they shall inform the Finance Committee and propose that it does not adopt it either.

In the continuation, Committee Chairman Dr Zoran Sami informed the Committee members that the member of the National Education Council who was in conflict of interest as he was simultaneously employed by the Institute for the Improvement of Education and Upbringing, had resigned from the Institute and is no longer in conflict of interest.

The sitting was chaired by Committee Chairman Dr Zoran Sami.