The Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, allowed the publication of a new Government Decision to be adopted in the immediate following period, due to budgetary problems of the ministry, highlighting the need for additional funds to ensure the optimal functioning of the education system and cover urgent expenses.
Minister of Education officially conveys the fact that the budget approved by the Ministry of Education for personnel expenses through Law no. 421/2023 was based on the legislative provisions in force at the time of drafting. However, the subsequent adoption of two emergency ordinances — OG no. 128/2023 — generated financial influences that were not included in the approved budget.
In order to ensure the salaries of the education staff and other priority expenses, the ministry requests the addition of 158.000 thousand lei to the budget. This amount is necessary to cover the salaries related to the month of November, which are to be paid on December 14, 2024.
The Minister of Education mentioned that the amount of 48.000 thousand lei is necessary to finance the salary rights of teaching staff in higher education, subsidies for student dormitories-canteens and other institutions subordinated to the Ministry of Education. This financing is essential for ensuring the continuity of activities in these fields.
Adoption of HG no. 1337/2023, which regulates the rules for transportation facilities for students, also generated financial pressure on the ministry's budget. In order to cover the expenses related to the transportation of students for the months of November and December 2024, the Ministry of Education requests the allocation of 28.000 thousand lei.
In the context of the provisions of GEO no. 46/2024, the Ministry of Education proposes supplementing the budget with funds from the budget reserve available to the Government. The total amount requested is 262.000 thousand lei, which will be distributed as follows:
- 158.000 thousand lei for personnel expenses;
- 48.000 thousand lei for transfers between public administration units;
- 28.000 thousand lei for social assistance;
- 28.000 thousand lei for student transport.
The Ministry of Finance will adjust the budget structure according to the mentioned needs, and the unused funds will be returned to the Reserve Fund until the end of 2024.
Minister Ligia Deca emphasizes that supplementing the budget is vital to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the education system and to respect the financial commitments assumed in the context of the new legislative regulations.
This request reflects the financial challenges generated by the measures adopted in 2023 and 2024, but also commitment the ministry for quality education in Romania.
