Hong Kong lawmaker denies minister’s claim axing student subsidy was discussed
Hong Kong's finance chief is facing criticism from lawmakers over the decision to cut a HK$2,500 annual grant for nearly 800,000 students. Legislators argue the move, aimed at addressing the HK$87.2 billion deficit, could negatively impact students' studies, with one representative from the educational functional constituency denying the government consulted the sector beforehand.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan defended the decision, stating the Education Bureau communicated with sector representatives, though he didn't name them. He acknowledged the impact of spending cuts but urged understanding given the tight budget. However, lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector, refuted Chan's claim, stating neither the Education Bureau nor other authorities consulted him on abolishing the student subsidies.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong's finance chief is facing criticism from lawmakers over the decision to cut a HK$2,500 annual grant for nearly 800,000 students. Legislators argue the move, aimed at addressing the HK$87.2 billion deficit, could negatively impact students' studies, with one representative from the educational functional constituency denying the government consulted the sector beforehand.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan defended the decision, stating the Education Bureau communicated with sector representatives, though he didn't name them. He acknowledged the impact of spending cuts but urged understanding given the tight budget. However, lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector, refuted Chan's claim, stating neither the Education Bureau nor other authorities consulted him on abolishing the student subsidies.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
