Students call for a 200-denar food subsidy, Janevska calculates 147 denars

The increase in the student food subsidy from 140 to 200 denars is one of the students’ main demands. They are also seeking assistance with intercity transport and improved conditions in student dormitories.

The “Studentaria” platform expects the Ministry of Education to respond positively to these demands. Student organizations have specifically requested that support for student meals reach 200 denars, while for intercity transport they are calling for lower ticket prices.

Angela Vasilevska, president of the University Student Assembly of UKIM, told “Telma” that the problem of students being denied the subsidized meal benefit is recurring this year as well. According to her, some student services at faculties failed to submit lists of regular students to the Ministry of Education on time.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said she was aware of the students’ difficulties and that an analysis would be conducted to determine which measures could be taken.

Janevska explained that, based on the current calculation and the level of inflation, the subsidy would need to increase by only seven denars, reaching 147 denars. She said that the initiative to increase the amount had reached the Ministry of Education and Science and that consideration had already begun regarding the possibility of changing the methodology.

While students aim for the food subsidy to be 200 denars, the Education Ministry’s current calculations set the amount at 147 denars. The final decision will depend on any possible change to the methodology and on how the students’ demands are addressed.