Free Education must mean 'Free': MP Chand

Opposition MP Hem Chand has challenged the Government to ensure school levies do not undermine the promise of free education for low-income families.

Speaking during the debate on the Education Bill 2025 yesterday, Mr Chand warned that levies could make education “free in name but expensive in practice.”

“It appears that levies may still be imposed on students and parents, without any clear protection for low-income families,” Mr Chand said.

“When we promise free education, free must mean free.”

He called for provisions ensuring schools cannot impose levies on families, especially where such costs amount to indirect tuition fees.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro had earlier told Parliament that the Bill allows schools to charge levies for specific purposes including infrastructure improvement and maintenance.

However, Mr Radrodro said levies would be “tightly regulated to ensure they are reasonable, equitable and not excessive or burdensome to parents.”

The Minister also clarified that fundraising activities would be voluntary and parents cannot be coerced.

TSLS missing from bill

Mr Chand raised another concern about the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme being missing from the Bill entirely.

“We cannot legislate for education while ignoring the primary institution that determines whether a student can even afford tertiary study,” he said.

He recommended TSLS be recognised within the legislative framework, with clear provisions for its mandate, governance, transparency requirements and relationship with higher education institutions.

The Bill consolidates the Education Act 1966, Teachers Registration Act 2008 and Higher Education Act 2008 into one comprehensive legislation.

Mr Chand said he would appear before the parliamentary committee to submit specific recommendations for improving the Bill.