BNNVARA joins in today as one of the submitters of the House of Representatives petition for a fine for long-term delays

BNNVARA makes an appeal to postpone the long-term surcharge until after the corona crisis

The broadcaster submits a petition along with 28 other organizations to the House of Representatives against a recent proposal for a long-term study fine

BNNVARA today joined more than 28 other organisations in submitting a petition to the House of Representatives against the government's proposal to introduce a fine for students who take too long to complete their studies. The petition calls on the government to postpone the introduction of the fine until after the corona crisis, arguing that the pandemic has had a significant impact on students' ability to progress with their studies.

BNNVARA's director, Gerard Timmer, said: "The corona crisis has had a major impact on students' lives. Many have had to deal with online education, financial worries and mental health problems. As a result, many students have been unable to progress with their studies as quickly as they would have liked. It is unfair to punish these students with a fine."

The petition has been signed by a wide range of organisations, including universities, student unions, and political parties. It is expected to be debated in the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.

Background to the long-term study fine

The government announced plans to introduce a fine for students who take too long to complete their studies in 2020. The fine would be levied on students who exceed the standard study duration by more than one year. The government argues that the fine is necessary to encourage students to complete their studies more quickly and to reduce the cost of higher education.

However, the proposal has been met with widespread opposition from students and universities. Critics argue that the fine would be unfair to students who have been delayed by factors beyond their control, such as illness or financial difficulties. They also argue that the fine would discourage students from taking on part-time work or pursuing extracurricular activities.

BNNVARA's position on the long-term study fine

BNNVARA believes that the government's proposal for a long-term study fine is unfair and counterproductive. The broadcaster argues that the fine would punish students who have been delayed by factors beyond their control and would discourage students from taking on part-time work or pursuing extracurricular activities.

BNNVARA calls on the government to postpone the introduction of the fine until after the corona crisis. The broadcaster believes that the pandemic has had a significant impact on students' ability to progress with their studies and that it would be unfair to punish students for delays that are beyond their control.