6-month exemption for rental of canteens, premises in govt schools

The education ministry has granted an exemption for the rental of canteens and premises or space at schools under its administration for a period of six months from July.

In a statement today, it said the premises include book shops, cooperatives, launderettes and vending machines whose operations have been affected by the implementation of Phase One of the movement control under the National Recovery Plan.

An automatic contract extension will also be given to those renting canteens and premises or space at schools under the education ministry for a period of one year upon expiry of the original contract.

The ministry also agreed to extend the contracts of contractors involved in the supply of cooked food programme by taking into account the period in which their services had been affected.

“For building and area cleanliness services, payment to the contractors will be made in full as stated in their contract. As such, the issue of contractors having to cut their employees’ salary should not arise,” it said.

The education sector will only be reopened in stages in Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan which is expected to be implemented in September.