Romania social scholarship proposal faces backlash

The Romanian Ministry of Education and Research has introduced a draft decision that would restrict social scholarships to school periods only, effectively eliminating payments during holidays. This proposal has drawn significant criticism from NGOs and legal authorities.

Salvați Copiii România and World Vision Romania have urged the government to maintain year-round support, arguing that poverty does not pause during holidays and that cutting these funds could increase school dropout rates among vulnerable children. They emphasize that families still face essential costs for food, clothing, and hygiene during breaks.

The Ombudsman has also intervened, requesting the Ministry withdraw the project. The institution argues that an interim government lacks the authority to implement new public policies and that the measure restricts support for disadvantaged students, potentially contradicting constitutional protections for children.

Government spokespersons have noted that the measure is currently only a draft under public consultation and that the administration will analyze all feedback before a final decision is made. Currently, existing regulations ensuring scholarship continuity during holidays remain in effect.