- 21
the cost of "tong fai" in aided secondary schools up to a ceiling of $120
per pupil per annum. This sum is now paid as part of the capitation
grant. The effect of abolishing "tong fai" has been to deprive schools of
a significant source of private income which had hitherto been directed
inter alia, towards funding loan repayments and the schools' contribution
to repair and replacement costs. As a consequence of its abolition the
government has waived all loan repayments outstanding at 1 September 1979
and has, in addition, assumed responsibility for meeting the full cost of
all major repairs and replacements of furniture and equipment.
Salaries in education
5.39
The salaries of all officers employed in the Education Department
are determined by the government (now on the advice of the Standing Commission
on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service) according to normal
civil service procedures. Salaries in the aided school sector are brought
into line with those of comparable posts in the Education Department.
Private schools in which the government has bought places receive some
assistance towards the salaries of staff teaching pupils occupying such places
but otherwise determine salary levels individually. Fully private schools
determine their own salary scales. Salaries in the assisted approved
post-secondary colleges are also determined by the college authorities
(but are influenced by the levels of government assistance provided).
Salaries in the universities and the Polytechnic are generally not directly
comparable with government salaries but take the government salary scales
into account.
5.40
D: Financial assistance to students
Students may be assisted financially in a number of ways: while
this may occasionally be in the form of scholarships based on merit,
student assistance is now generally based on need, in keeping with the
principle that no student capable of continuing his education at any level