CAIRO: The Education Committee at the People’s Assembly (PA) discussed Sunday an investigation request regarding the removal of the tax breaks on private schools and educational institutions.
Minister of Education Yosri El Gamal attended the discussion, the request for which was filed by MP El-Mandouh Husseiny, president of the Private Schools Association.
The investigation request criticizes the removal of the tax breaks and argues that the new tax structure will have a negative impact as around 95 percent of private schools cater for the lower middle class, with tuition fees at around LE 1,000, thus offering this socio-economic class better affordable education.
El Gamal defended the new law and argued that private schools shouldn’t be afraid of implementing the law as the taxes will be paid on the net profits of the school. Supporting this point, Mohamed Sorour, secretary at the Ministry of Finance, said that taxes will not be collected from schools that are not making a profit.
“Clearly, the issue is not over yet, both sides are still presenting their points, so we will hold a second session for further discussion between the two parties, said Sherif Omar, head of the PA’s education committee.
“There is a possibility that they will reach an agreement by the second session. We hope they will, he added.
