Acting Minister of Education, Culture and Research Lilia Pogolșa said she understands the problems faced by the people of culture affected by the pandemic crisis, but the creation of a separate ministry for culture would not help them solve their problems. Furthermore, the creation of such a ministry necessitates additional funds and the state budget does not envision such funds, IPN reports.

After an online petition concerning the necessity of separating the Ministry of Culture from the Ministry of Education and Research was made public, Lilia Pogolșa said the founding of a separate ministry of culture is not a solution for this sector.

“The field of culture is one of the most affected areas and the people of culture should realize that the problems in the field of culture do not depend on the existence or absence of a ministry of culture,” the official stated in the talk show “Fourth power” on N4 TV channel.

Moreover, such a division necessitates additional funds and such money is not available in the 2021 state budget.

“It is now premature to talk about the creation of a separate ministry of culture as financial resources should be earmarked for dividing the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research. The process implies costs,” stated Lilia Pogolșa.

As to the current pandemic situation, the acting minister said the number of infections with COVID-9 among students has increased. A series of education institutions were closed.

“On February 1, we had only one education institution that was in quarantine, but now the figure rose to 17. The situation is better in early education institutions. The number of infected children there rose from 21 on February 1 to 23 today,” noted the official.

According to official data of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, currently, owing to the spread of COVID-19, 275 classes of students are in quarantine, while 319 students and 277 teachers have been confirmed with the virus.