RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – “One hundred percent of the total budget for the funding of federal universities and institutions is being released at this time,” said the Minister of Education, Abraham Weintraub, in a press conference.
According to him, the “contingency” (suspension of funding) did not harm any of the portfolio’s activities. “Good management was carried out. We will end the year with everything in place,” he added.
According to the ministry’s executive secretary, Paulo Vogel, R$1.1 billion (US$275 million) is being released from the R$19.6 billion planned for the Ministry of Education’s (MEC) discretionary spending.
Vogel said the amount is being reallocated from other ministerial expenses.
Payment of CNPq grants is guaranteed this year
The Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communications (MCTIC) announced on October 17th, that funds for the payment of research grants from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) are guaranteed until the end of the year.
The proposed budget law for 2020 already provides resources for CNPq’s activities and the issue is not expected to recur, according to the ministry.
CAPES budget for 2020 is also approved
The Education Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved on Wednesday, October 16th, an increase of R$600 million for the CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) budget in 2020.
According to information from the Ministry of Education, the amount provides an additional 135,000 openings for teacher training programs and the creation of 6,000 postgraduate and research grants.
However, in order for the amount to be released, the two amendments must be approved by deputies and senators in the Joint Committee on Plans, Public Budgets, and Inspection (CMO).
Source: Agência Brasil