PNG Government releases K75.4m to complete TFF second quarter payments

The Department of Treasury has released the warrant for K75.4 million to complete the Tuition Fee Free payments for the second quarter or Term 2 of 2016.

Education Minister Nick Kuman announced this in a statement last Friday, saying: “This latest payment brings the total TFF release to K301 million. I am thankful to the government for its commitment by giving priority to this key policy to ensure that every child receives quality education.”

The Department of Education is now working on the payments to be deposited in the commercial banks. Schools will have access to their money by this week, the MP states.

“The National Government has appropriated K602 million in 2016 with K150.5 million to be paid each quarter. The infrastructure component will be paid into TFF Trust Accounts held at the District Treasury for the schools to access in the near future. Currently, all funds are paid to schools.”

Kuman says the Department of Education now has a TFF quality assurance officer in each province.

“This officer will be the direct link between the schools, the provincial office and the Department. The provincial officer will oversee the disbursements of TFF payments and also deal with other TFF related matters.

“I once again remind schools and their administrations to use the money wisely and only on areas that will improve the teaching and learning in the classroom,” states Kuman.

“Governing boards of each schools must ensure funds are used prudently, transparently, and also account with proper reports to parents and education authorities.”