Incomplete application forms are causing significant delays in back-to-school assistance payments, according to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. He addressed concerns from parents and guardians regarding the lack of received assistance, emphasizing that families had a seven-week window to complete and submit their forms at schools, with a deadline of December 12 last year.
Minister Radrodro noted that inaccuracies in the completion of forms are a primary issue. He explained that many applications lacked essential details about students, such as family numbers, names, and mobile phone information. Once forms are correctly filled out, they are sent to the Ministry of Finance for processing.
The Minister clarified the responsibilities of each department, stating, “Once we fill those forms, we send them to the Ministry of Finance,” and highlighted that any incomplete or incorrect submissions are returned to the Ministry of Education for further verification. He reaffirmed that the Ministry of Education does not handle the payments directly, but rather facilitates the process.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel has indicated that any pending payments are anticipated to be finalized by the end of February. This timeline offers hope for families who are eager to receive the assistance they require for the upcoming school year, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to resolving the issues as swiftly as possible.