Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Friday clarified that the early distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant had nothing to do with local government elections, but for the convenience of teachers to avoid interruptions during their vacation.
Manickchand explained that last year the cash grant was distributed in August and as such teachers were asked to return to schools across the country for the distribution exercise. Many head teachers and staff had expressed dissatisfaction with the decision made by the ministry for the grant to be distributed during the school break, she said.
Manickchand explained that this is the only convenient time for the grant to be distributed, since teachers will be available and neither the assessment period nor the vacation period will be disturbed. She noted that the assessment period across the country will begin next week and teachers will therefore be occupied until schools are closed.
She concluded that according to the feedback from parents they preferred the grant to be distributed at an early date so that they can plan ahead.
