October 2, 2021

Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Representatives Hatano Kimie on September 30 made a representation to the Education Ministry, demanding an expansion of government subsidies for private schools which are financially struggling because of the increased costs incurred by COVID-19 countermeasures.

The national and local governments subsidize anti-coronavirus measures, including the purchase of disinfectant solution, used in schools. However, the subsidy proportion for private schools remains at 50% of that for public schools.

Hatano demanded that along with an increase in the proportion, the subsidy to hiring additional staff members to meet coronavirus countermeasures should be raised to five million yen from the current 500,000 yen. She also proposed that the upper limit on yearly incomes of parents eligible for free tuition in private high schools be further increased, that enrollment fees and fees for the maintenance of school facilities be made free, and that the grant-type scholarship program be improved.

Hatano stated that a drastic expansion of government subsidies for private schools is necessary so that schools can introduce more classes with a smaller number of students per class and convert non-regular teaching positions to regular positions, and have at least one nurse placed at all schools.

A Ministry official in response agreed upon the need for an expansion of subsidies for private schools in order to narrow the gap between public schools and private schools.