OPPOSITION PROPOSES RESOLUTION ON SCHOOL SYSTEM

( Editorial: --> 2395 ) ZAGREB, June 19 (Hina) - The parliamentary benches of six Croatian Opposition parties on Friday proposed a resolution on the Croatian school system to the Parliament's House of Representatives. The resolution suggests that the Government carry out a budget revision and secure a pay increase for teachers as well as increase funds intended for the equipment and construction of schools. Six opposition benches - Social Democratic Party (SDP), Croatian Social-Liberal Party (HSLS), Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS), Istrian Democratic Assembly (IDS), Croatian People's Party (HNS) and Liberal Party (LS) - have proposed that the Government secure higher education funds in 1999, the smallest allowable increase being the level of countries in transition (between four to five per cent of the gross national product). Opposition benches believe that the Government should prepare a new development strategy for the school system as well as a programme for its modernisation by the autumn parliamentary session at the latest. The Croatian school system does not meet Croatia's needs and lags behind the education systems in European countries when it comes to programmes, funding, personnel and all other segments, the Opposition claims. The current education funds amounting to only 2.8 per cent of the GNP are not sufficient for adequate transformation of the school system in line with modern requirements, Opposition representatives believe. (hina) jn rml/bag 191407 MET jun 98