Higher education institutions will receive 2.5 billion from the state for the repairs of dormitories and canteens

Jihlava - The Ministry of Education has allocated 2.5 billion crowns for the repairs of student dormitories and cafeterias at universities. According to Minister Robert Plaga (ANO), this is the first time that part of the funds designated for universities is allocated directly for the repairs of accommodation and dining facilities. The program has 2.7 billion crowns set aside until 2027. So far, two calls for proposals have been announced amounting to 1.5 billion crowns, Plaga told ČTK during today's meeting of the Czech Conference of Rectors (ČKR) in Jihlava. Rectors discussed financing and evaluation of higher education as well as the proposed amendment to the Act on the Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ).

According to ČKR, universities should not be included among the institutions subject to NKÚ. A change in the constitution is necessary to alter the powers of NKÚ. The amendment was passed by the Chamber of Deputies for the second reading in February. Public universities are already subject to NKÚ control where they manage state funds, which according to ČKR President Tomáš Zima is acceptable. However, the amendment would extend the control to all financial management, including funds obtained through publishing or other self-generated activities. "Then political parties or the Football Association of the Czech Republic should also be controlled, as they also receive state subsidies," said Zima.

This year's budget for universities is approximately 26.6 billion crowns. Minister Plaga confirmed today that it will be increased next year by 1.7 billion crowns, including 0.8 billion for educational activities and 0.9 billion for scientific activities. He expects that in the following year, universities would receive an additional billion crowns.

The rector of Masaryk University in Brno, Mikuláš Bek, reminded that until now, universities have been funding the repairs of dormitories and cafeterias from their own funds. "We welcome the establishment of a new sub-program, as the current situation demands a more systematic solution," said Bek. However, he believes that a rapid increase in accommodation standards in dormitories is unrealistic. The renewal will rather be gradual and take the next decade.

The Polytechnic School of Jihlava, which hosted today's ČKR meeting, significantly lacks dormitories, said its rector Václav Báča. In the past, there was not much interest in them. This is changing with rising rent prices and the increasing number of students. Therefore, the school wants to analyze what options it will have for expanding dormitory offers. For now, it offers accommodation to students in a single building with 113 beds.

ČKR, which was established in 1993, has 46 members. These include the rectors of all 26 public universities, both state universities, and 18 private universities. Its goal is to promote the interests of universities and to harmonize their positions on key professional and social issues. The current president of the conference is Tomáš Zima, rector of Charles University. Meetings of the ČKR presidency are held approximately twice a year, and the plenary session meets once a semester.