UNM proposes three legislative changes
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Tuesday, February 4
During the spring session, the United National Movement (UNM) plans to present three new draft laws, this according to UNM member Sergo Ratiani on February 3. All three proposed changes are related to the field of education.
According to the first initiative, military service has been suggested as a substitute for funding education if a student cannot afford to pay.
According to Ratiani more than 28,000 students have their student status suspended, as they cannot pay their tuition. Ratiani said that alternative payment mechanisms should exist.
Ratiani said higher education at any level is entitled to a tuition help in exchange for military service. The UNM MP also added that the idea of military service alternatives for financing education was initiated during the parliamentary elections in 2012 and supported by former President Mikheil Saakashvili,.
The second draft law is about the resource officers at public schools.
Ratiani explains that according to the existing law, resource officers are appointed by the director of the school in coordination with the board of trustees. The government initiated the child protection officers to be appointed by the head of child protection, mediation and psychological service, while the UNM suggested signing an agreement between the school and the service mentioned above.
The third proposed changes are about the recognition of free credits for students. This refers to the students who attend lectures without being enrolled in any of the official programs of the university, or being part of some certification program.
