ID :
188775
Wed, 06/15/2011 - 13:03
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/188775
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Probe under way into possible tuition fee collusion: watchdog
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- In the midst of heated political debates over tuition cut measures, the state watchdog's head said Wednesday that his agency is looking into allegations that colleges colluded to raise tuition fees.
In response to a question from an opposition lawmaker, Kim Dong-soo of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said an inspection is "currently under way" to look into collusion allegations raised by lawmakers last year and student groups in January.
He did not elaborate on specific details of the ongoing investigation, but the move is likely to put pressure on private colleges that are lukewarm toward the legislature's move to drastically slash tuition fees to woo voters ahead of next year's general elections.
There is a widespread consensus between rival parties over the need to cut college tuition fees, though they are divided over to what extent to implement the cuts that would require an enormous budget.
Earlier Wednesday, the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) gathered college leaders, student representatives and education experts to a forum to hear their opinions about the issue to come up with better solutions.
College chiefs said it is impossible to drastically cut tuition fees without extra budget support or eased rules on donations.
"The tuition fees have become costly as all burdens are on the shoulders of parents and students," said Lee Young-sun, president of Hallym University. "The government should offer financial support to universities or encourage donations so that schools can secure funds from private sectors."
Students agreed on the need of expanded government support, while urging schools to disclose financial statements and allow student councils to participate in budget decisions for transparent management.
"The government needs to support higher education, which is in the public arena," Chung Hyun-ho, Hanyang University's student council president, said. "Schools should take more responsibility in their asset management."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- In the midst of heated political debates over tuition cut measures, the state watchdog's head said Wednesday that his agency is looking into allegations that colleges colluded to raise tuition fees.
In response to a question from an opposition lawmaker, Kim Dong-soo of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said an inspection is "currently under way" to look into collusion allegations raised by lawmakers last year and student groups in January.
He did not elaborate on specific details of the ongoing investigation, but the move is likely to put pressure on private colleges that are lukewarm toward the legislature's move to drastically slash tuition fees to woo voters ahead of next year's general elections.
There is a widespread consensus between rival parties over the need to cut college tuition fees, though they are divided over to what extent to implement the cuts that would require an enormous budget.
Earlier Wednesday, the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) gathered college leaders, student representatives and education experts to a forum to hear their opinions about the issue to come up with better solutions.
College chiefs said it is impossible to drastically cut tuition fees without extra budget support or eased rules on donations.
"The tuition fees have become costly as all burdens are on the shoulders of parents and students," said Lee Young-sun, president of Hallym University. "The government should offer financial support to universities or encourage donations so that schools can secure funds from private sectors."
Students agreed on the need of expanded government support, while urging schools to disclose financial statements and allow student councils to participate in budget decisions for transparent management.
"The government needs to support higher education, which is in the public arena," Chung Hyun-ho, Hanyang University's student council president, said. "Schools should take more responsibility in their asset management."
ejkim@yna.co.kr
