During the Platinum Jubilee celebration at Swami Vivekananda College, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, who also serves as the Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, and National Development, reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s dedication to education.
Prasad announced that the Ministry of Education has been allocated a substantial budget of $627.6 million for this year, highlighting the government’s focus on leveraging education to shape the nation’s future.
“The Coalition Government acknowledges the vital importance of education in developing our country,” Prasad stated. “Our commitment to educational advancement is reflected in our significant investments aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education nationwide.”
He outlined various government initiatives, including the “Back to School Support” program, which in 2023 provided $200 to over 223,000 children, totaling $44.7 million in assistance. This year, the program continues to support approximately 212,000 students with $42.5 million, and for the upcoming 2024–2025 National Budget, $40 million is allocated for back-to-school assistance for the 2025 academic year.
Prasad also highlighted the college’s emphasis on spirituality and character development, praising the guiding principles that have shaped its mission. He extended his best wishes for the college’s future academic endeavors and congratulated them on reaching this significant milestone.