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Students are able to prioritise - PM; PN, PL squabble over smart card comments [Malta Independent, The]
[August 06, 2014]

Students are able to prioritise - PM; PN, PL squabble over smart card comments [Malta Independent, The]


(Malta Independent, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today said that the change in the smart card system was essential, and students are able to prioritise, when it comes to management of funds.

Last week, it was announced that the smart card scheme is to be eradicated, and students will instead receive their payment directly in their bank account.

Addressing a meeting with the university students' council (KSU), the Prime Minister said that further guidance for university students is needed, especially to facilitate the transition from studying to entering the workforce. He added that a student employability index should clarify demand and supply factors in specific sectors.



Dr Muscat said the government will embark on discussions with KSU as regards introducing a new parking system at university.

Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo, also present at the meeting, lauded KSU for their work during the industrial action which halted publication of results for thousands of students, adding that any pending results will be published in the next few days.


  PN, PL squabble over smart card commentsIn the meantime, the PN and PL are quarrelling over alleged comments by PN Leader Simon Busuttil who, according to the PL has criticised the smart cards initiative.

In a statement the PL said that the government is making a difference in the education sector and has not only increased stipends and extended them to repeating students but has now also introduced the smart card initiative.

"PN Leader Simon Busuttil is against giving stipends to repeat year students. Now he is also criticising the smart cards initiative, which is supported by the students themselves. The real fiasco in the education sector was the suspension of EUPA funds under the previous PN administration." But the PN denied that Dr Busuttil had criticised the initiative. "As usual the PL is insulting those who criticise it and is twisting the Opposition Leader's words. Dr Busuttil never said what is being alleged by the Labour Party." The PN said the government is trying to save face after the University and Junior College late results fiasco.  (c) 2013 Standard Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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