The Ministry of Education says the free education grant will be increased next year and it is not only for stationary but also for maintenance and repairs.

This was highlighted by the Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy while meeting the Bua and Seaqaqa Council of School Managers in the Northern Division.

Dr Reddy also says the Capital Project grants will be allocated for teachers quarters next year.

The Minister for Education says they will provide additional capital grants for construction of quarters and classrooms to ensure that the difference between rural and urban schools is removed.

Dr Reddy says it is sad to see that teachers especially married couples sharing quarters with other single teachers.

He says they have received the request from the school managers as there is no privacy in such cases.

Dr Reddy says before it was difficult for people to collect money for school constructions and give children basic education.

He adds the previous governments never kept an upkeep of school repairs in the rural and maritime areas.

Dr Reddy adds they have decided to take over the repair, maintenance and upkeep of the schools.