2016 Budget Department Allocation | Top 10 Winners and Losers, IPBC Receiving an Increase of 67%

The National Government Departments got an increased budget of K24, 059.1 million in the 2016 National Budget compared to K23, 454.4 million in the 2015 budget - an increase of 3%. 

Some departments received increased budget allocations while others had cuts to their allocations. Office of Culture and Tourism, and National Housing Corporation came out the winners at 96% increase in funding for the year 2016. Whereas, the biggest loser is PNG National Fisheries Authority who received a funding of K20 million in 2015 down to just K1 million in 2016. 

The top 10 winners and losers in 2016 compared to 2015.

Health, Agriculture, Tourism Departments and State Own Enterprises (SOEs/IPBC) have been given prominence.

Of the 10 losers, it is interesting to note that the Electoral Commission received 61% less with the 2017 election just 18 months away.

Table below shows the total allocations for each national government department. [ Source: Post Courier, 06.11.2015 , adapted]

Sector	Appropriations		Appropriations		Difference	(+/-) in %
	2015 (in Million K)		2016 (in Milion K)			(-) indicates CUT
TOTAL EXPENDITURE	23,454.40		24,059.10		604.70	3%
Economic sector	497.8		603.4		105.60	18%
Conservation and Environment Protection Authority	34.9		64.8		29.90	46%
Department of Agriculture and Livestock	38.7		43.3		4.60	11%
Department of Lands and Physical Planning	38.9		39.6		0.70	2%
Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management	9.7		11.7		2.00	17%
Department of Petroleum and Energy	21.9		47.5		25.60	54%
Department of Commerce and Industry	69.1		62.4		-6.70	-11%
Office of Tourism Arts and Culture	2.1		51.8		49.70	96%
Konebada Petroleum Park Authority	5.4		6.4		1.00	16%
Office of Climate Change and Development	9.2		15.1		5.90	39%
Investment Promotion Authority	4		3		-1.00	-33%
Small & Medium Enterprises Corporation	3.4		4.6		1.20	26%
Nat Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology	4.1		3.5		-0.60	-17%
Industrial Centres Development Corporation	3.4		2.6		-0.80	-31%
Mineral Resource Authority	54.3		26.4		-27.90	-106%
Kokonas Industry Kopration	1.2		6.5		5.30	82%
National Development Bank	50		61.5		11.50	19%
Office of Coastal Fisheries Development Agency	27.9		25.6		-2.30	-9%
Cocoa Coconut Institute	8.3		6.7		-1.60	-24%
PNG National Fisheries Authority	20		1		-19.00	-1900%
Fresh Produce Development Company	11.7		11.4		-0.30	-3%
PNG Coffee Industry Corporation	3.4		10		6.60	66%
PNG National Forest Authority	31.6		37.6		6.00	16%
Tourism Promotion Authority	11.6		9.8		-1.80	-18%
PNG Oil Palm Industry Corporation					0.00	0%
National Agriculture Research Institute	11.3		13.5		2.20	16%
National Agriculture Quarantine & Inspection Authority	5.1		10.4		5.30	51%
PNG Cocoa Board	4.7		16.8		12.10	72%
Independent Consumer & Competition Commission	11.8		9.8		-2.00	-20%
Infrastructure	1,944.30		1,639.30		-305.00	-19%
Department of Public Enterprises	8.3		7.8		-0.50	-6%
Department of Information and Communication	17.3		16.7		-0.60	-4%
Department of Transport	28.7		46.1		17.40	38%
Department of Works & Implementation	1,443.20		1,064.40		-378.80	-36%
Papua New Guinea Accidents InvestigationCommission	7.4		5.6		-1.80	-32%
Independent Public Business Corporation	58.6		178.7		120.10	67%
National Broadcasting Commission	43.4		25.2		-18.20	-72%
National Maritime Safety Authority	35.1		40.8		5.70	14%
National Airports Corporation	151		70.8		-80.20	-113%
National Housing Corporation	0.3		7.2		6.90	96%
Rural Airstrip Authority	5.9		4.5		-1.40	-31%
PNG Power Limited	115.9		149.5		33.60	22%
Civil Aviation Safety Authority	14.3		12.3		-2.00	-16%
National Road Authority	15		9.5		-5.50	-58%
Social Services	2,983.10		3,034.80		51.70	2%
Office of Censorship	3.7		3.7		0.00	0%
Department of Education	1,087.20		953.4		-133.80	-14%
Department of Higher Education	220		137.2		-82.80	-60%
PNG National Commission for UNESCO	4.4		3.1		-1.30	-42%
Milne  Bay Provincial Health Authority	28.5		29.8		1.30	4%
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority	33.8		32.7		-1.10	-3%
Department of Health	597.9		620.8		22.90	4%
Hospital Management Services	670.1		715.8		45.70	6%
Department of Community Development	73.7		60		-13.70	-23%
National Volunteer Services	2.8		1.9		-0.90	-47%
Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority	31.6		35		3.40	10%
Office of Urbanization	2		1.8		-0.20	-11%
PNG Science & Technology Secretariat	4.2		4.2		0.00	0%
West New Britain Provincial Health Authority			36.2		36.20	100%
Manus Provincial Health Authority			17.7		17.70	100%
Enga Provincial Health Authority			29.7		29.70	100%
Sandaun Provincial Health Authority			27		27.00	100%
National Research Institute	5.4		7.2		1.80	25%
University of Papua New Guinea	52.9		77.5		24.60	32%
University of Technology	47		65.2		18.20	28%
University of Goroka	21.2		34.4		13.20	38%
University of Environment & Natural Resources	19			28.6	9.70	34%
PNG Sports Foundation	23			54.4	31.80	58%
PNG Maritime College	4.5		4.8		0.30	6%
National AIDS Council Secretariat	8.8		8.9		0.10	1%
Institute of Medical Research	10			12.4	2.30	19%
National Youth Development Authority	5			4.1	-0.90	-22%
National Museum & Art Gallery	22			22.9	1.20	5%
National Cultural Commission	5.1		4.7		-0.40	-9%
Law and Order	1,383.20		1,240.80		-142.40	-11%
Office of the Public Prosecutor	8.6		7.4		-1.20	-16%
Office of the Public Solicitor	14			12.6	-1.60	-13%
Judiciary Services	330		227.3		-102.70	-45%
Magisterial Services	40.3		38.3		-2.00	-5%
Department of Attorney-General	172.5		159.4		-13.10	-8%
Department of Corrective Institutional Services	139.2		139.7		0.50	0%
Department of Police	367.2		361.3		-5.90	-2%
National Intelligence Organisation	5.9		4.7		-1.20	-26%
Department of Defence	261.2		256.5		-4.70	-2%
Ombudsman Commission	22.2		20.4		-1.80	-9%
Legal Training Institute	13.6		4.9		-8.70	-178%
National Narcotics Bureau	4.6		4.4		-0.20	-5%
Constitutional & Law Reform Commission	3.7		4.1		0.40	10%
Administrative	13,022.20		13,878.60		856.40	6%
National Parliament	165.7		147.5		-18.20	-12%
Office of Governor-General	7.2		5.2		-2.00	-38%
Department of Prime Minister & NEC	125.9		165.6		39.70	24%
National Statistical Office	9.5		10.4		0.90	9%
Office of Bougainville Affairs	5		3.4		-1.60	-47%
Department of Finance	84.3		66		-18.30	-28%
Treasury & Finance Miscellaneous	1,196.00		1,051.60		-144.40	-14%
Department of Treasury	208.9		155.7		-53.20	-34%
Office of the Registrar for Political Parties	9.2		7.8		-1.40	-18%
PNG Customs Service	52.2		59.6		7.40	12%
Information Technology Division	20.5		18.3		-2.20	-12%
Fire Services	24.8		29		4.20	14%
PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services	12.9		10		-2.90	-29%
Internal Revenue Commission	76.6		75		-1.60	-2%
Department of Foreign Affairs	75.8		60.8		-15.00	-25%
PNG Institute of Public Administration	8.9		10.2		1.30	13%
Department of Personnel Management	184.5		146.6		-37.90	-26%
Public Service Commission	8.4		6.4		-2.00	-31%
Provincial Treasuries	48.3		45.2		-3.10	-7%
Department of National Planning and Monitoring	440.3		192.8		-247.50	-128%
Electoral Commission	36.2		22.5		-13.70	-61%
Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs	124		81.7		-42.30	-52%
Department of Industrial Relations	33.9		33.4		-0.50	-1%
National Tripartite Consultative Council	1		0.9		-0.10	-11%
Department of Implementation & Rural Development	68		65.6		-2.40	-4%
Central Supply & Tenders Board	2.8		2.7		-0.10	-4%
Treasury and Finance - Public Debt Charges	9,924.60		11,330.00		1,405.40	12%
Office of the Auditor General	29		23.9		-5.10	-21%
National Training Council	16.7		40.1		23.40	58%
National Economic & Fiscal Commission	4.2		3.5		-0.70	-20%
Border Development Authority	16.9		7.1		-9.80	-138%

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED BY POLICE IN PNG

What to do if you are arrested. #PNG pic.twitter.com/lnnfvHhtK7

— PNG Insight (@PNG_Insight) January 19, 2018

GPA: How To Calculate Grade Point Average and Why You Should Know It

As the school selection process is coming up, PNG Insight wants to make sure Grade 12 students understand how to calculate their GPAs. Grades are given on a scale of 0.0 (FAIL) to 4.0 (A), and your GPA is calculated by dividing the total points earned by the total credit hours accumulated.

GPA calculations may sound tricky, but they're easy if you have your transcript handy. We suggest using online GPA calculators or directly applying the GPA formula in an Excel spreadsheet to ensure accuracy.

Three stand-out reasons why you should know your GPA 

• if you are looking for a job, it is useful to know your GPA; 
• or if you are applying for a scholarship, many overseas institutions will ask for your GPA;
• or as a new student or continuing student, you should be mindful to stay above a GPA of 2.0, in some cases 2.25 - these are magic numbers! Fall below and you are out, or your parent self-sponsor you.

GPA for HECAS

To be eligible for a Higher Education Contribution Assistant Scheme (HECAS), the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) recommends that you score a minimum of 2.0 or higher. UNITECH has raised this to 2.25.

That means that universities are not places for students scoring a GPA below 2. Questions should be asked as to how they got their foot in if they had. 

If you are an academically bright student, you could qualify for the government's rewarding scheme called the Academic Excellence Scholarship Scheme (AES) with a GPA of 3.6 for first-year students. That means that any grade 12 student with straight As is a candidate for AES) or 3.7 for second to final years.  

If you need assistance, talk to your institution's student service division. 

PNG Unis GPA Info

An updated version of this post discusses the following GPA topics in detail:

• Calculate Grade 12 GPA
• GPA for PNG Universities Selection
• Why you should know the University GPA
• GPA Uni Entry, Scholarship or Work
• TESAS Info for Students
• Grade 12 Guide to TESAS
• How to apply for TESAS Non-school Leavers
• Apply for TESAS after admission

Click here for more information.

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

You can follow us on Twitter (@PNG_Insight) for information on Education and Development in Papua New Guinea.

CHEATING: EXAMINATION BODY LIKE EDEXCEL, AQA (UK) OR NSW BoS (AUSTRALIA) CAN IMPROVE STANDARD

2015 Legal Studies Paper  Appeared Online Before The Exam. Source: Facebook

Past and present reports have indicated students bought exam papers prior to sitting examinations. Someone along the chain of conducting national examinations (preparing, printing, storing, transporting/storing and taking exams) deliberately leaked them to sell, a serious breach of trust.

Another area where not exam papers, but exam questions are likely to be leaked is during setting (or compiling) exams. Teachers and lecturers (the exam writers) who are usually swept away to set exam questions - are they trustworthy? 

Apparently, possibilities for tempering with these important documents are many. An article here explains where exam papers are stolen, the hotspots.

You may have realised that pinpointing a hotspot is quite complicated. Many people are involved. Education secretaries and ministers have failed to sort out this mess. No wonder it has been happening (and continues to happen) for many years.

2013 and 2014 were worst years of cheating. Many schools in Highlands were alleged to have cheated. Students in Enga and Simbu were left out of selection to tertiary institutions as a result. I remember Enga governor took that matter to court. School boards from two schools in Simbu alleged to have cheated also took the matter to court.

2014 Maths A Leaked Questions Discussed on Facebook

A clear case of cheating happened last year when a teacher admitted to be given 10 Maths A questions prior to Maths  examination. He later found out that those 10 questions appeared in the actual exam, word for word including the diagrams (Here is the link https://goo.gl/z21q9L).

A recent case was also discussed in PNG teachers' Facebook group. This clearly showed legal studies exam paper (screen shot above) was circulated on the morning of Wednesday 21/10/2015.

It is obvious (AGAIN) that papers are already out there  - in students hands - before they are taking the exam this year. What is Measurement Service Division (MSD) doing about it? What can the acting Education Secretary and minister do about this serious problem? 

These examples are not intended to 'rub mud' on those responsible for examinations in the country, but to highlight their ignorance. Though there were widespread instances of cheating in successive years, nothing was DONE to stop it.

Another area exam cheaters are having an easy ride is entry to major institutions like UPNG and UNITECH. Selectors seem to have no 'filter' for identifying cheats. Leaders at tertiary institutions have to stand at the door and identify who enters their institutions. Education leaders who do not want 'rotten apples' in their establishment must play their part.

2015 exams started off with acting Education Secretary giving stern warning after newspapers reported cheating in Grade 10 Written Expression exam. So, what is going to happened when there are instances of exam papers floating around before exams?

The acting Education Secretary must act his words when he said  “If a grade 10 or 12 student is found to have cheated, all the grade 10 or 12 students in the particular  school that the student belongs to will be penalised,” warned Dr Kombra.

His words have no effect if nothing is done. In retrospect, in 2014 Enga governor and school administrators in Simbu fought tooth to nail to have their students considered for certification and selection. They knew it was unjust on other students who did not cheat. Penalising the whole school is 'just over the top'. Are we likely to see the acting secretary's words vaporise into thin air?

Individuals involved in setting examinations to storage and delivery of exam papers are, seriously, jeopardising the whole process. They cannot be trusted any more. The signs are obvious, aren't they? But, we cannot go on blaming students, teachers, invigilators, principals or other individuals. Blaming ' that someone' in the system will not SOLVE the problem. If the education department wants to halt cheating, it has to start thinking outside the box.

Measurement Service Division (formerly Measurement Service Unit and Measurement Service Board) tasked to make examination epitome shrouded in secrecy has failed on its responsibility. This division lacks the ability to safeguard exam papers. It has failed to deliver successful examinations. It has - time and time again - failed the government it is serving. The buck stops with MSD. It, surely, needs to shape up or ship out. 

Prioritising this section of education division (MSD) is the best thing the government can do going forward - give it a fresh look. How can it be done?  Our leaders in politics and education do not have to look further than counties like Australia and UK.

Establish an examination body (an agency) that is independent from and separate of the education department: yet one that is task to improve standard of examination as well as protecting it from tempering. Enable the examination body to employ and place people in strategic (full-time) positions throughout the country to make it work. 

The examination organisation has to be empowered to  perform in all areas of internal assessments and examinations from elementary to secondary schools and tertiary institutions. The body must also be given the ability to collect internal and external assessment data and make informed reports. Overall, it must be a body that focuses on effective and efficient exertion of assessments and examinations, evaluations and reports.

Edexcel and AQA in the UK, and NSW Board of Studies in Australia  are prime examples of such examination agencies. They are separate examining and awarding body focused on maintaining examination standards from setting questions to conducting, marking, evaluating, reporting and awarding merits.

I do not think money is a matter of debate. The government has allocations for exams. Last year it allocated K1 million just for marking alone. MSB is a statutory division of the education department. There is funding allocation for it to function. So, there is no question about lack of funds. What is needed is a bit of foresight and the right human resource to make it work.

Examinations are culminations of years of work from all stakeholders. Why can't PNG have a body capable of delivering successful examinations?