It is a year since universities were given financial independence, but the rectors say they do not yet feel its benefits. On the contrary, they meet with impediments. In several weeks, the rectors will come together for a meeting to discuss this subject and to formulate proposals for the Ministry of Education, IPN reports.

Rector of the State Agrarian University Gheorghe Cimpoies said that since the education institutions switched to financial autonomy, the inspections are stricter and there is greater control and bureaucracy. “We do not enjoy great autonomy. Under the regulations, we have the right to do more things, but we do not have autonomy,” he stated.

The Law on Financial Autonomy enables the education institutions to provide extra-curriculum services, but for this they need the Ministry of Education’s consent and a relevant Government decision. “It takes so long that you do not want to do anything,” said Gheorghe Cimpoies, adding that the Agrarian University printed a book, but could not sell it as it takes a lot of time to obtain the Ministry’s consent. “We made approaches, but haven’t been heard. We hope the problem will be solved in time.”

Pro-rector of the Technical University of Moldova Valentin Amariei said the financial autonomy hasn’t become greater, as they promised. On the contrary. “We consider that the reform was only declared, but not yet implemented,” he stated. Valentin Amariei, who is also the deputy chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Republic of Moldova, said the rectors will hold a meeting at end-February to discuss this issue and to submit proposals to the Ministry.

On January 1, 2013, all the universities switched to financial autonomy, which means that they have the freedom to set taxes on the services they provide and to gain incomes and use them according to own procedures for efficient management.