KS Government Deems "Old" Students' Request Justified

The First Session of the Sarajevo Canton Government, chaired by Prime Minister Elmedin Konaković, was held today. The government members considered the request of students who began their studies under the so-called pre-Bologna study system for an extension of the legal deadline for completing their studies.

- Taking into account the fact that the Law on Higher Education of Sarajevo Canton set September 30, 2015, as the final deadline for completing studies started under the so-called pre-Bologna study system, as well as the fact that a significant number of students have not completed their studies (over 3,800 students), the Sarajevo Canton Government has deemed the students' request justified - the statement reads.

In accordance with the prescribed procedure, the Government will submit a proposal for amendments to the Law on Higher Education to the Canton Assembly under an urgent procedure. The extension of the legal deadline for completing studies would encompass all faculties and academies of the University of Sarajevo and would apply to students of all education levels, i.e., undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.

The proposed amendments to the Law on Higher Education do not imply the enrollment of new generations of students under the so-called pre-Bologna study system, but would establish the right for enrolled students to complete their already commenced studies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton was requested to provide comprehensive information on the security situation in Sarajevo Canton, with a special focus on the escalation of certain criminal offenses. The Government also requested a report on the measures taken to suppress and solve these crimes.

At the First Session, the Government adopted several conclusions aimed at taking measures that will be part of the policy of savings and rational spending of budget funds.

Through the relevant ministries, it requested information from all cantonal public enterprises, cantonal institutions, funds, directorates, institutes, and agencies regarding the exact amounts of managerial contracts and salaries of management structures, as well as their expenses for representation, telephones, and travel.

In the coming days, as agreed today at the Government session, Prime Minister Konaković, along with the relevant ministers, will begin visiting all cantonal communal and public enterprises, prosecutor's offices, courts, and cantonal public institutions to gain a detailed understanding of their operations. Visits and discussions with trade unions in Sarajevo Canton will also be organized. All visits will be open to the public, and media will be invited to follow and record them. Simultaneously, information was requested about the vehicle fleet in the Sarajevo Canton bodies, annual fuel costs and vehicle maintenance, telephone bills, and expenses for representation and travel. Full information on the rental and lease costs of premises for the needs of Sarajevo Canton bodies was also requested for review.

As a contribution to budget savings and to environmental protection, government members have designated the first working day of each month as a car-free day for themselves. They also invited other enterprises, institutions, and organizations, except for the police, ambulance services, and inspectorates, to join this initiative.